Former Tiller associate faces investigation after botched late-term abortion

Late-term abortionist Shelley Sella faces possible discipline action in relation to a late-term abortion she performed on a New Mexico woman in May 2011.

Sella, working at Southwestern Women’s Options in Albuquerque, an affiliate of the National Abortion Federation, aborted the unborn baby who, at 35 weeks, had little else to do in the womb but gain weight. The child’s mother wound up in the hospital with a ruptured uterus, according to LifeNews.com.

Whether Sella will face consequences or not remains to be determined. The New Mexico Medical Board has filed a Notice of Contemplated Action against Sella, alleging gross negligence after receiving several complaints from pro-life groups, including Operation Rescue. Disciplinary action could include the suspension or revocation of Sella’s state medical license. The board has scheduled hearing on Sella’s case beginning on Nov. 29.

“Shelley Sella has a long and sordid history,” Cheryl Sullenger, senior policy advisor for Operation Rescue, told LifeNews.com. “We have been looking forward to the day when she would be held accountable for her abortion abuses. That day has finally arrived.”

According to the board documents, Sella completely disregarded the mother’s medical history—a past cesarean section delivery, which weakens the uterus and increases the risk of rupture in future deliveries—and increased the chances of a life-threatening rupture by over-using uterine stimulants.

The documents also claim Sella went against better medical judgment when she chose to perform the high-risk abortion in her facility instead of a hospital.

Sella previously worked under the late George Tiller at his late-term abortion facility in Wichita, Kan. She also performs abortions for Planned Parenthood in California, according to Operation Rescue.