‘Early Abortion is Not Synonymous with Safety’

By Ricardo Pinedo (Updated 8/1/25)

Orlando, Florida – On June 14, 2025, another abortion related emergency was reported at the East Orlando Health Center operated by Planned Parenthood. Operation Rescue staff secured the actual 911 records related to this emergency involving a woman who had a suspected lidocaine toxicity likely following an abortion procedure.  

Although the type of abortion procedure was  not disclosed, the caller reported a woman experiencing symptoms of “lidocaine toxicity.” Lidocaine is an anesthetic often used to numb the cervix during something like an aspiration abortion, which this facility offers up to 6 weeks.  Throughout the call, the voice of another female–apparently the abortionist–can be heard feeding instructions and information to the caller. 

About lidocaine toxicity

Lidocaine toxicity is a serious medical condition that can occur when excessive amounts of this anesthetic drug enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the central nervous system and cardiovascular functions. Symptoms can range from dizziness and confusion to seizures, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest in severe cases. Fast recognition and medical intervention are critical to prevent life-threatening outcomes.

Certain groups are known to be more vulnerable to local anesthetic complications and these include pregnant women, the very young, and the elderly. Patients who are sedated during procedures may also face higher risk, as early warning signs can go unnoticed.

During the 911 call, the staffer first tells dispatch they think it could be “a bad reaction to medicine,” but she is corrected by a voice in the background, likely the abortionist, confirming the symptoms are consistent with “lidocaine toxicity.”

“Toxicity means the patient was given more than her body could tolerate,” says Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. “How closely was this patient being monitored? We know women are left unmonitored in abortion clinics all the time, some while they are hemorrhaging or even losing consciousness. And who was administering this anesthetic?”

A recent study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine found that lidocaine deaths have nearly tripled over the last ten years. The study raised specific concerns about untrained staff in outpatient settings — just like Planned Parenthood — as a driving factor in the increase.

“Planned Parenthood is notorious for poorly trained staff and cutting corners. We believe this woman should be speaking with a medical malpractice attorney,” adds Newman. “Operation Rescue would be happy to help her find legal assistance.”

Abortion in Florida

Abortion is currently limited to six weeks in Florida, about the time a baby’s heartbeat can be detected in utero.

Newman comments, “This alarming case highlights the inherent dangers associated with abortion procedures, even those occurring early in pregnancy. A smaller window of time to abort is certainly saving preborn lives in Florida but the abortion cartel continues to operate and we still see dangerous complications arise. ‘Early abortion’ is not synonymous with safety.” 

“Restricting abortion is not enough,” he adds. “Rushed procedures, abortionists with a questionable reputation, and inadequate follow-up care for the sake of profit all ensure that we will keep seeing women rolled out of abortion clinics and loaded into ambulances, their child lost forever. We must continue working toward a culture that protects both mother and unborn child, a culture that values life. We must abolish abortion.”

This report may be republished with inclusion of the following acknowledgement: “This article was originally published by Operation Rescue, a leading pro-life, Christian activist organization dedicated to exposing abortion abuses, demanding enforcement, saving innocent lives, and building an abortion-free America. The author, Ricardo Pinedo, writes for Operation Rescue.”