![](https://operationrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Old-carhart-cap.jpg)
By Cheryl Sullenger
Bethesda, MD – A woman who suffered a horrifically botched second trimester dismemberment abortion at LeRoy Carhart’s Bethedsa, Maryland, abortion facility has agreed to dismiss her Federal malpractice suit against Carhart and his associate, Elizabeth Swallow, so she may refile her complaint in the state Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, to avoid any jurisdictional issues with the Federal complaint.
The malpractice case had been filed on September 23, 2021, on behalf of Ashley P. Norris, who underwent a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) dismemberment abortion at Carhart’s C.A.R.E abortion facility by Virginia abortionist Elizabeth Swallow on May 12, 2020. Norris had traveled from Virginia to Maryland for her late-term abortion at what was then oddly known as AbortionClinics.org.
A stipulation that all parties agreed to the dismissal was filed just prior to the judge issuing an order to close the case on November 16, 2021.
Norris’ abortion experience was horrific, to say the least. Norris alleged that Swallow had conducted a Dilation and Evacuation dismemberment procedure on her 25-week-old baby even though her cervix was inadequately dilated.
Norris alleges that she woke from sedation screaming in pain – and with good reason. Swallow had ripped a 5 cm hole in her uterus and slashed open her bowel. Norris was in critical condition by the time she was finally transported to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, Maryland, where she underwent emergency surgery to save her life. Massive blood loss caused her to code during the surgery, requiring resuscitation efforts. Norris received a colostomy with an external bag and spent several days in the hospital.
“We hope Ms. Norris and her legal team can quickly refile their lawsuit so Carhart and Swallow can be held properly accountable in a court of law for the harm they have caused,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman.
- Read the Stipulation of Dismissal dated November 16, 2021.
- Read the Dismissal Order dated November 16, 2021.
- Read a full account of Norris’ federal allegations.