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Michel Prevost, Almonte gynecologist, sued over failed abortion

Michel Prevost, Almonte gynecologist, sued over failed abortion

A former patient of a disgraced eastern Ontario gynecologist is suing him for $1 million over an alleged botched abortion.

Tania Brown of Carleton Place, Ont., has filed a statement of claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in nearby Perth. She alleges Dr. Michel Prevost committed "gross negligence and medical malpractice" with respect to her failed abortion.

Brown claims on Oct. 4, 2011 she visited Prevost in Almonte, Ont., about 50 kilometres west of Ottawa, to undergo an abortion.

The statement of claim says Prevost aimed to complete a "chemical abortion" where he administers a combination of methotrexate and misoprostol to terminate the pregnancy. It alleges the doctor injected incorrect doses that led to a failed abortion.

Brown told CBC News she only realized the abortion failed four months later, and later carried the baby to term. She gave birth to a five-pound boy with fetal abnormalities, including a smaller brain and a hole in his heart, she added.

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Brown later gave the boy up in an open adoption, her claim states.

None of Brown's allegations against Prevost has been proven in court.

Prevost's lawyer Karen Hamway said she would file an intent to defend, and later a statement of defence, on behalf of her client. She would not comment on the case any further.

Prevost quit practising medicine

On Feb. 2, Prevost resigned from practising medicine after the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario found he was "incompetent in his practice of obstetrics and gynecology."

A medical inspector found Prevost "lacked knowledge, skill or judgment" in his treatment and care of 28 patients, according to a decision released by the college. That included two failed abortions that resulted in fetal abnormalities in pregnancies that went to term..

However, the college admitted it did not investigate whether or not the fetal abnormalities were caused by the medications.

In January 2013, Prevost voluntarily signed an undertaking to cease the prescription of methotrexate and misoprostol for the purpose of terminating pregnancies, according to the college.

Prevost has also signed an undertaking stating he would not reapply to practise medicine in Ontario, and he will never practise obstetrics or gynecology in any jurisdiction, the college said.

Brown's claim states the college informed her about their findings in December 2014, and she said she decided to seek legal counsel.