LJWorld.com / Ruling on Lawrence doctor protested

Archive for Thursday, June 21, 2001

June 21, 2001

Topeka — About 15 abortion opponents Wednesday rallied outside the Kansas Board of Healing Arts office to protest a proposed settlement between the state and Lawrence Dr. Kristin Neuhaus, who performs abortions.

Joan Hawkins, executive director of Kansans for Life, said more people would have participated in the rally if the weather had been better.

The protesters stood under threatening skies, holding signs such as "The Board of Killing Arts," and "Abort the board."

"We want to let people know that the Board of Healing Arts has a lot to do with regulating physicians, but they are doing nothing" to regulate doctors who perform abortions, Hawkins said

Last week, a three-member panel of the board recommended no punishment against Neuhaus, who had been accused of performing an abortion on a woman after the woman withdrew her consent because she didn't want a particular kind of sedative. Neuhaus denied the allegation.

The proposed settlement orders Neuhaus to use a more detailed consent form and it also allows the board to continue monitoring Neuhaus' record-keeping and use of sedation.

The full 15-member board will consider the settlement at its August meeting.

Hawkins criticized the proposed settlement, which came five days before a trial-like hearing in the allegations against Neuhaus was to start.

Jeanne Gawdun of Topeka, attended the rally and held her 2-year-old daughter Catherine on her shoulders.

"I'm concerned the Kansas Board of Healing Arts is not doing what its job is supposed to be, and that is to monitor physicians and make sure they are upholding the standard of medical care," Gawdun said.

Larry Buening, executive director of the board, said the panel's recommendation was based on the facts in the case, and that the board treats all physicians the same.

He said the board and physicians often reach a settlement before an administrative hearing starts. Neuhaus did not return a call seeking comment.

Hawkins said the purpose of the rally also was to educate the public about the board's role in overseeing medical practitioners. She said several board members' terms soon expire, and the anti-abortion group will be "watching closely" Gov. Bill Graves' appointees. Graves is pro-choice.