THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING

Cape Cod doctor pleads innocent in abortion death

Email|Print|Single Page| Text size – +
July 24, 2008

BARNSTABLE, Mass.—A Cape Cod doctor indicted for involuntary manslaughter after a woman he performed an abortion on died has pleaded not guilty.

Dr. Rapin Osathanondh (O-SATH-an-on) was arraigned Thursday in Barnstable Superior Court. He was released on personal recognizance after surrendering his passport.

The 65-year-old Osathanondh was indicted last week in the death of Laura Hope Smith of Sandwich.

Prosecutors say the 22-year-old Smith's heart stopped last September while she was under anesthesia at Osathanondh's Hyannis office. They blame willful, reckless conduct by the doctor.

His lawyer, Paul Cirel, says Smith's death was a tragedy, but no crime was committed and Osathanondh would be exonerated. He says the doctor performs hundreds of abortions a year at the Hyannis office and all are done safely.

© Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
  • Email
  • Email
  • Print
  • Print
  • Single page
  • Single page
  • Reprints
  • Reprints
  • Share
  • Share
  • Comment
  • Comment
 
  • Share on DiggShare on Digg
  • Tag with Del.icio.us Save this article
  • powered by Del.icio.us
Your Name Your e-mail address (for return address purposes) E-mail address of recipients (separate multiple addresses with commas) Name and both e-mail fields are required.
Message (optional)
Disclaimer: Boston.com does not share this information or keep it permanently, as it is for the sole purpose of sending this one time e-mail.