The Texas Medical Board has disciplined three physicians whose cases were previously investigated by ProPublica, finding that their treatment of pregnant patients failed to meet standards of care in cases involving delayed or inadequate emergency intervention under Texas’ abortion restrictions.
The board determined that two doctors did not appropriately respond as a pregnant teenager repeatedly sought care for severe complications. It also found that a third physician did not perform a dilation and curettage procedure on a patient experiencing a miscarriage, who later died from hemorrhaging.
ProPublica’s reporting on these and other cases in Texas, Georgia, and other states has documented how abortion bans have affected clinical decision-making in pregnancy-related emergencies. Doctors described delaying procedures until fetal cardiac activity stopped or until legal exceptions appeared clearly applicable, and some hospitals transferred or discharged patients rather than perform immediate interventions.
In Texas, physicians may face criminal penalties of up to 99 years in prison for violations of the state’s abortion law. Medical experts and attorneys have said these penalties have contributed to hesitation in providing standard miscarriage and pregnancy complication care.
The Texas Medical Board previously stated it does not interpret criminal law but allows patients to file complaints. It has since issued guidance materials following a state legislative directive under the Life of the Mother Act, which was enacted after earlier reporting on maternal deaths linked to delayed care.
The board issued disciplinary actions in the cases of three doctors ProPublica investigated, including physicians involved in the deaths of Nevaeh Crain and Porsha Ngumezi.
In Crain’s case, the board cited Dr. Ali Mohamed Osman for failing to properly evaluate infection risks and fetal health during an emergency room visit. It also cited Dr. William Noel Hawkins for discharging Crain despite signs of sepsis and fetal distress. The board stated that delays in care contributed to the deaths of both Crain and her fetus.
In Ngumezi’s case, the board found that Dr. Andrew Ryan Davis did not adequately assess blood loss and did not proceed promptly with a dilation and curettage procedure, stating that delays in treatment led to her death.
The board did not disclose whether it had investigated other physicians involved in Crain’s care, including Dr. Marcelo Totorica.
Each of the three disciplined doctors was ordered to complete eight hours of continuing medical education within one year. The board also required them to notify employers of the disciplinary actions. The board has authority to impose fines, suspend licenses, or revoke licenses in more severe cases.
The physicians did not admit or deny the board’s findings as part of the orders.
Family members of patients and legal representatives criticized the disciplinary outcomes as insufficient, while medical experts and reproductive health advocates said stronger enforcement actions are needed to ensure compliance with medical standards in emergency pregnancy care.
The Texas Medical Board has not disclosed whether it is investigating additional cases involving delayed or denied pregnancy-related treatment under the state’s abortion laws.