The Lead Off
- Sentencing has been delayed for a former University of Toledo surgery resident convicted in a case involving abortion medication and his pregnant girlfriend
- A Lucas County judge rescheduled the hearing for Aug. 14 after citing disagreement over the issue of force during sentencing arguments
- The defendant previously entered no contest pleas and was convicted on multiple felony-related charges
TOLEDO, OHIO (WOWO) Sentencing has been postponed for a former surgery resident at the University of Toledo Medical Center who was convicted on multiple charges stemming from allegations that he forcibly administered abortion medication to his pregnant girlfriend.
Hassan Abbas was scheduled to be sentenced Friday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court. However, Judge Joe McNamara continued the hearing until Aug. 14 at 9 a.m.
Judge requests additional legal arguments
During Friday’s hearing, McNamara said there was significant disagreement between prosecutors and defense attorneys regarding the issue of “force” as it relates to sentencing.
The judge ordered both sides to submit written legal briefs by July 17 before the sentencing hearing resumes.
According to WTOL-11 – No sentence was imposed Friday.
Convictions follow no contest pleas
Abbas previously entered no contest pleas in May and was convicted of the following offenses:
- Disrupting public services
- Unlawful distribution of an abortion pill
- Identity fraud
- Deception to obtain dangerous drugs
According to officials, Abbas has been on unpaid administrative leave from the University of Toledo Medical Center since May 6.
Allegations outlined by medical board
According to the State Medical Board of Ohio, Abbas began a romantic relationship with the woman in late 2024 after separating from his wife.
The medical board alleges that after learning the woman was pregnant, Abbas ordered the abortion medications Mifepristone and Misoprostol using his estranged wife’s identity without her knowledge.
Investigators further allege Abbas later crushed the medications and attempted to force them into the woman’s mouth during an assault in December 2024.
According to court records and investigators, the woman escaped, called 911, and Abbas allegedly took her phone and disconnected the call. Hospital records indicate she arrived at an emergency department less than an hour later and reported she had been assaulted.
Next steps
The court has scheduled Abbas’ sentencing for Aug. 14, following submission of additional legal briefs by both the prosecution and defense. The judge is expected to determine an appropriate sentence after reviewing those filings.
The Takeaway
Sentencing delayed
A Lucas County judge postponed sentencing until Aug. 14 after determining additional legal arguments were needed regarding the role of force in the case.
Multiple convictions
The former University of Toledo surgery resident was convicted after entering no contest pleas to charges including unlawful distribution of an abortion pill, identity fraud, deception to obtain dangerous drugs, and disrupting public services.
Further court proceedings ahead
Both sides must submit written briefs by July 17 before the court reconvenes for sentencing in August.
