CHARLESTON, W. Va.– The Family Policy Council of West Virginia has filed a medical malpractice case against a Charleston-based health care center and one of its doctors.
The lawsuit was filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court on behalf of Itai Gravely, 26, against the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia in Charleston and Dr. Rodney Stephens.
According to the lawsuit, Gravely was persuaded by counselors to go to Women’s Health Center on April 19, 2012 to have an abortion. Gravely was pregnant about 13 weeks at the time.
Gravely alleges that she had changed her mind about going through with the abortion, but was physically restrained and forced to have the procedure, the lawsuit states.
Family Policy Council of West Virginia President and General Counsel Jeremy Dys said Gravely went through a lot.
“She has been exposed to extraordinary cruelty in our allegations and her life was put in jeopardy frankly,” said Dys.
The lawsuit continues by stating that Gravely was transported to the hospital the day after the procedure and upon examination by doctors , it was discovered the fetus’ head had been left in her uterus.
Dys said this particular case is a very important one.
“Every women’s life and Itai’s most importantly here, is more important than the bottom line of this abortionist,” he said.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
When contacted by MetroNews, officials with the Women’s Health Center said they did not wish to comment on the case. Dr. Stephens also did not respond to requests for comment.