NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the medical license of Kevin Work, a physician who performs abortions at Delta Women’s Medical Clinic in Baton Rouge and Women’s Healthcare Center in New Orleans.
The LSBME issued a “Notice for Summary Suspension of Medical License” on its website Tuesday, February 26, notifying the public that Work’s medical license has been suspended pending “final resolution” in an administrative hearing. The notice states that “pending the institution and conclusion of formal administrative procedures herein, emergency action is imperative to safeguard the public health, welfare, and safety.”
The suspension comes following letters by State Attorney General Jeff Landry and Louisiana Right to Life. Both raised serious questions in their letters about threats to women’s health and safety.
In a news release from Landry’s office, he noted in his letter Work has been cited on multiple occasions by the Board for failing to meet basic standards of patient care. In demanding action on this issue, General Landry outlined that the LSBME and the Louisiana Department of Health, who regulate abortion clinics, fall under the Governor’s authority.
Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper praised the decision by the LSBME.
“We applaud the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners for their prompt action in investigating Dr. Kevin Work and taking emergency action to protect the safety of the public,” Clapper said in a news release. “We look forward to learning more about the LSMBE’s final action on this investigation.”
Clapper continued, “Even more concerning than Dr. Work’s potential violation of his probation is the abortion facilities’ apparent decision to hire a physician on probation with a troubled past. Did the abortion facilities review information about Dr. Work prior to hiring him? If so, did they inform their clients of Dr. Work’s history and probation status? It appears Dr. Work’s presence is another indication that these abortion facilities are for-profit businesses willing to cut corners when it comes to the health and safety of their clients. We call on the Louisiana Legislature and the Louisiana Department of Health to take a close look at this situation and determine if additional steps need to be pursued to require abortion facilities to further vet their physicians and inform clients of the disciplinary history of their physicians.”
