An Ohio surgical resident has been charged after allegedly forcing abortion pills into his girlfriend’s mouth as she slept.

According to Breitbart News, 32-year-old Hassan-James Abbas, a University of Toledo surgical resident, was indicted on six felony counts on December 3. The charges stem from allegations that Abbas used his estranged wife’s identity to buy abortion-inducing drugs and administered them to his pregnant girlfriend without her knowledge.

The alleged assault led to the loss of the pregnancy, prompted a state investigation, and resulted in the suspension of Abbas’s medical license pending further review. The case has shocked the Toledo medical community and ignited debate over ethical accountability in the healthcare field.

Doctor accused of covertly administering abortion drugs

Court documents obtained by Breitbart News reveal that Abbas and the woman—referred to as “Patient 1”—began dating in 2024 following his separation from his wife. When the woman informed him of her pregnancy in December of that year, Abbas allegedly urged her to terminate it. When she refused, prosecutors claim he ordered mifepristone and misoprostol online using his wife’s identification.

According to the State Medical Board’s notice, Abbas allegedly crushed the pills and attempted to force-feed them to the woman while she was asleep. The document describes that she awoke briefly to find him on top of her and felt him pressing the substance into her mouth. Investigators say she struggled free, called 911, and eventually sought medical help after Abbas allegedly took her phone.

Physicians at a nearby hospital reportedly confirmed that the medication had ended the pregnancy. The disturbing details outlined in the board’s suspension notice were part of what prompted criminal charges and professional sanctions against Abbas.

Administrative leave and license suspension

The University of Toledo confirmed that Abbas was placed on administrative leave shortly after the Ohio State Medical Board suspended his license on November 5. A university spokesperson emphasized that the case was "unrelated to his role" at the institution but said the school is cooperating with investigators.

“The university holds its employees to the highest standards of professional conduct,” the spokesperson explained in a statement, adding that the administration supports the medical board’s process. The spokesperson reiterated that Abbas’s immediate suspension was necessary to protect public safety until a formal hearing could be held.

The state medical board said the suspension came after finding “clear and convincing evidence” that Abbas’s continued practice posed a “danger of immediate and serious harm to the public.” A formal hearing on his license is scheduled for May 14–15, 2026, where disciplinary actions will be considered.

Prosecutors and victim’s attorney respond

Lucas County prosecutors confirmed they reviewed the case for nearly a year before the indictment. Attorney Kelle Saull, who represents the woman, criticized both the University of Toledo and ProMedica—the medical center where Abbas had accepted a fellowship—for allegedly failing to respond sooner to the accusations.

Saull called the case one of the most “heinous” she has handled in her career. She argued that accountability was long overdue and credited the medical board’s swift action for finally moving the process forward. “It wasn’t until the Ohio Medical Board took immediate action that my client finally started to get the results she deserves,” Saull said.

The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet commented publicly beyond confirming Abbas’s charges, but court records show he faces counts of abduction, tampering with evidence, unauthorized distribution of abortion drugs, disrupting public services, identity fraud, and deceptive acquisition of dangerous drugs.

Lessons to Learn

1. Privacy in medical relationships does not mean invulnerability: Even professionals in positions of trust may engage in harmful behaviors. Always ensure there is a support network and that protective actions can be taken if coercion or manipulation is suspected.

2. Control over bodily autonomy is non-negotiable: This case underscores the importance of recognizing early warning signs of coercive control, especially when decisions about health and reproduction are involved. Victims should never feel pressured or unsafe when making such personal decisions.

3. Delays in institutional response can worsen harm: The prolonged time between the woman’s report and any formal action illustrates how critical timely responses are from both legal and professional bodies. Although precautions can help, crimes like these can happen to anyone. It is never the victim's fault, regardless of the choices they made while trusting someone.

Why This Story Matters

This story shines a light on the devastating effects of reproductive coercion and the abuse of power by trusted professionals. When institutions fail to act promptly, victims are left vulnerable for prolonged periods. The community must recognize the importance of transparency, accountability, and victim-centered support in both healthcare and justice systems. It also raises concerns about how medical oversight systems respond to off-duty conduct that places others at risk. The situation prompts a broader dialogue about the responsibilities of universities and healthcare employers to protect the public even beyond institutional settings.

Conclusion

Dr. Hassan-James Abbas, a surgical resident in Ohio, is facing six felony charges after allegedly forcing abortion pills on his pregnant girlfriend without her consent. Authorities say that following her rejection of an abortion, Abbas acquired the drugs using stolen credentials and administered them secretly while the woman was asleep. She ultimately escaped, sought medical care, and discovered her pregnancy had been terminated. The University of Toledo and ProMedica later suspended Abbas. The Ohio State Medical Board revoked his license pending a formal hearing in May 2026. Prosecutors reviewed the case for nearly a year before charges were filed.