Public hearing for Delaware abortion doctor abruptly cancelled

A former Planned Parenthood doctor suspected of poor conduct has signed a Consent Agreement, prepared by the Attorney General’s Office in lieu of a public hearing that was scheduled for Friday, November 22nd.

 

Dr. Timothy Liveright who was set to go before the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline will now review the signed agreement.  The board could finalize the arrangement at its January 7, 2014 meeting.

Concerns about Dr. Liveright and Planned Parenthood of Delaware came about when three former employees made multiple complaints and quit their jobs due to what they believed were unsanitary conditions and unsafe performed abortions at the Wilmington clinic at 6th and Shipley Streets. Jayne Mitchell-Werbrich, Melody Meanor and Joyce Vasikonis brought attention to the alleged practices during a May hearing in Dover and again in August before a legislative committee in Wilmington. According to former nurse Werbrich,  at least five women were sent to the hospital in January due to botched abortions.

As a result of the complaints Planned Parenthood was forced to suspend surgical abortion procedures at its Wilmington and Dover clinics this summer. The Delaware facility was even fined due to violations found by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. However, abortions were eventually reinstated due to the hiring of new staff members.

If everything is accepted with Dr. Liveright’s Consent Agreement, it will be made public once the Board signs the document. If the Board does not accept the terms of the Consent Agreement, a new public hearing will scheduled for Dr. Liveright.