Woman Sues After Fetal Remains Left Inside—Medical Malpractice in Illinois

After allegedly discovering a physician left a large portion of fetal remains inside her body during a late-term abortion, a woman has filed a lawsuit against the doctor and the Champaign County facility where the procedure took place. She claims that the physician failed to complete the procedure correctly, perforated her uterus, and ignored her repeated complaints of pain in the days that followed. 

Every year, thousands of patients across the U.S. experience harm due to medical errors—ranging from retained surgical materials to delayed diagnoses and inadequate follow-up care. Studies have identified surgical mistakes and failures to recognize complications as some of the leading causes of malpractice claims, with retained objects among the most preventable yet devastating errors. These types of mistakes can result in life-threatening infections, infertility, organ damage, and significant emotional trauma.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries because a medical professional failed to provide proper care, speaking with a Peoria medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. To discuss your options, contact our team at Strong Law Offices, 309-393-2928.

Champaign County Medical Negligence Case: What Went Wrong

According to court filings, the patient underwent a dilation-and-evacuation procedure at approximately 22 weeks of pregnancy. The medical records noted that the procedure had been completed and that all tissue had been accounted for. Yet within 24 hours, the patient began experiencing severe abdominal pain, cramping, and pressure.

She contacted the clinic multiple times. Instead of receiving a comprehensive follow-up exam, she was advised to take over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, followed by laxatives and, eventually, an enema. Only after her condition continued to worsen was she told she might need to visit the emergency room.

Two days later, she sought treatment at a hospital in Indianapolis, where a CT scan revealed fetal remains, including parts of the skull and bone fragments, still lodged in her pelvis. Surgeons also found a large perforation in her uterus. The surgical team described the case as one of the worst they had encountered due to the extent of internal injury and retained tissue.

The patient underwent emergency surgery to remove the remains and repair the perforation. According to the complaint, she continues to suffer both physical and psychological consequences from the experience.

Illinois Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit makes two key claims. The first is medical negligence: the provider allegedly failed to complete the procedure, failed to recognize that tissue remained, and failed to respond appropriately when the patient reported serious postoperative symptoms. The second claim is for infliction of emotional distress, alleging that the traumatic nature of the incident caused lasting psychological harm.

The plaintiff has requested a jury trial and is seeking damages in excess of $50,000. While this amount represents the statutory minimum for such claims in Illinois, the ultimate damages could be far higher if the case proceeds and a jury finds negligence.

Illinois Regulatory Action Against the Provider

In addition to the medical malpractice lawsuit, state regulators reviewed the incident. Following their investigation, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation imposed disciplinary measures that included a fine and mandatory continuing medical education. Regulators cited failures in patient evaluation and monitoring, emphasizing that the provider’s conduct fell short of professional standards.

This dual track of accountability, through both civil courts and regulatory boards, illustrates how patients may see justice pursued on multiple fronts when healthcare professionals act negligently.

Why This Case Matters for Peoria Medical Malpractice Law

This lawsuit highlights more than one patient’s tragic experience. It raises larger issues about how Illinois law defines negligence, the responsibilities doctors owe to their patients, and the potential consequences when those duties are ignored. For Peoria residents, the case illustrates how quickly a routine procedure can spiral into a life-threatening situation when proper standards are not followed.

Medical malpractice is not limited to surgical errors; it can also involve poor follow-up care, failure to diagnose complications, or dismissing patient concerns. When mistakes like these occur, patients may face lasting health problems and overwhelming medical bills. Understanding the legal framework in Illinois can help injured patients recognize when they may have a valid claim.

Illinois Standard of Care Requirements

Under Illinois law, doctors and healthcare providers are expected to follow the standard of care, which is defined as the level of skill and diligence that a reasonably careful professional would exercise in similar circumstances. If a doctor deviates from that standard and a patient is harmed, the doctor can be held legally responsible.

Failing to ensure that a procedure is complete, ignoring a patient’s repeated complaints of pain, and delaying emergency intervention may all be considered departures from the standard of care.

Severe Consequences of Retained Surgical Material

Retained tissue or surgical material inside a patient’s body is one of the most serious forms of medical negligence. It can cause life-threatening infections, organ damage, infertility, and long-term pain. In this case, the presence of fetal remains, and a perforated uterus required extensive surgical correction and exposed the patient to grave risks.

Patient Rights in Illinois Medical Negligence Cases

Illinois law provides multiple avenues for patients harmed by negligence to recover damages. Compensation may include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost income from time away from work, and damages for pain and suffering. Emotional harm, such as trauma from undergoing emergency surgery, may also be considered. In particularly severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish reckless conduct.

Take Action After Medical Negligence in Peoria

Cases like this reveal how devastating medical negligence can be, from severe physical injuries to lasting emotional trauma. Illinois law allows patients to hold healthcare providers accountable for mistakes, ensuring both justice and safer standards of care.

If you or a loved one have suffered harm due to medical negligence, contact Strong Law Offices in Peoria, IL, at 309-393-2928. Our team can help evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait—taking action promptly is vital in protecting your rights.