Alabama abortion doctor denied license over claims of application fraud

CNA Staff, Sep 14, 2020 / 05:53 pm MT (CNA).- The medical director at an abortion clinic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has had her license to practice medicine suspended, with officials saying she lied on her application.

Dr. Leah Torres of the West Alabama Women’s Center gave fraudulent answers to questions about medical malpractice claims, work experience, and whether her staff privileges have ever been revoked or suspended at a health care facility, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners said.

The forms in question were part of Torres’ application for a permanent license to practice medicine. She had been operating under a temporary license.

In late August, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners denied Torres’ application for a permanent certificate. The following week, the board suspended her temporary license until a hearing on the allegations is held before the Medical Licensure Commission. The hearing is scheduled for December.

Pro-life groups had filed complaints against Torres with the Board of Medical Examiners.

According to AL.com, the West Alabama Women’s Center performed about half of the abortions that took place in the state in 2018.

A spokesperson for the abortion clinic told AL.com that there must have been a misunderstanding with the application that had been filed, and said the clinic expects to see the situation resolved promptly.