A 32 year old Ohio surgical resident has been indicted after prosecutors said he crushed abortion pills and put them into his pregnant girlfriend’s mouth as she slept. The case has sparked outrage across the state and led to the suspension of his medical license. Prosecutors say the woman later lost the pregnancy.
According to Lucas County court records, Hassan James Abbas faces six felony charges including abduction, tampering with evidence and unlawful distribution of abortion medication. The indictment also includes identity fraud because officials say Abbas ordered the medication using his estranged wife’s information without her knowledge.
The accused surgeon worked at the University of Toledo. The university placed him on administrative leave after the Ohio Medical Board suspended his license in November. The board says it acted because allowing Abbas to continue practicing posed an immediate danger to the public. (Ohio Medical Board)
Investigators say Abbas began dating the woman in 2024. When she told him she did not want an abortion on December 7, 2024, he allegedly ordered abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. The woman told investigators she woke up to Abbas holding her down and pressing crushed medication inside her mouth. She fled and called police after seeking help at a hospital.
The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case for months before a grand jury returned the charges on December 3, 2025. Abbas has not entered a plea and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment. (Reuters legal news)
A spokesperson for the University of Toledo said the case is not related to Abbas’ duties at the hospital. They added the school will cooperate with investigators and expects its employees to follow strict ethical standards.
The woman’s attorney called the situation one of the most shocking cases she had seen. She said action from the medical board finally forced progress after months of delays.
The Ohio Medical Board scheduled a hearing for May 14 and May 15, 2026. After the hearing, a report will be issued with findings and recommended discipline. The final decision will be made by board members.
The criminal case and license review process could take months to resolve. If convicted, Abbas could face prison time and permanent loss of his medical license.