Texas Doctor’s License Suspended After Infant Deaths Highlight Serious Lapses in Care

Texas Doctor’s License Suspended After Infant Deaths Highlight Serious Lapses in Care

In a deeply troubling case that has drawn attention from both the medical community and the general public, a veteran obstetrician from El Paso, Texas, has had her medical license temporarily suspended following the tragic deaths of two newborns. Dr. Yolanda Lagunas, a physician with nearly 40 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, is now at the center of a major investigation launched by the Texas Medical Board, which found serious deficiencies in the quality of care she provided during childbirth.

According to official documents released by the Board, Dr. Lagunas failed to respond appropriately to critical signs of fetal distress during the labor of at least one patient, resulting in the preventable death of the baby. The most alarming incident cited in the Board’s findings involved a protracted 12-hour vaginal delivery during which continuous and escalating signs of fetal distress were documented. Despite those warnings — which included decelerations in the baby’s heart rate and other indicators of an oxygen-deprived fetus — Dr. Lagunas reportedly chose to continue attempting a vaginal delivery rather than performing an emergency cesarean section, the standard of care in such situations.

Ultimately, the infant did not survive the birth, and the death was later deemed avoidable by both hospital quality review committees and independent medical experts. A second case involving Dr. Lagunas reportedly involved similarly delayed interventions and led to another infant death, prompting the Board to act swiftly in order to prevent further harm.

In its ruling, the Texas Medical Board cited “major issues” with Dr. Lagunas’s clinical judgment, response time, and adherence to established protocols in obstetrical emergencies. The temporary suspension was issued under an emergency provision that allows the Board to act in cases where a physician’s continued practice poses “a continuing threat to the public welfare.” The decision to suspend her license without a prior hearing underscores the severity of the situation.

“This is an extraordinary and tragic case,” said a spokesperson for the Texas Medical Board. “When a physician fails to respond to life-threatening conditions during childbirth, the results can be devastating. Our responsibility is to protect patients from unsafe practices, and in this case, we believe immediate action was necessary.”

Dr. Lagunas has not yet made a public statement, but sources close to her say she plans to challenge the suspension and is preparing for a formal hearing where she will have an opportunity to defend her actions. Some in the El Paso medical community have expressed shock over the allegations, as Dr. Lagunas was long considered a trusted and experienced practitioner. However, others point out that even long-standing experience cannot be an excuse for ignoring signs of fetal distress or delaying life-saving interventions.

For the families affected, the pain is immeasurable. One grieving mother, speaking anonymously through her legal representative, described the experience as “a nightmare that no parent should ever have to live through.” Her family has since filed a malpractice suit against Dr. Lagunas, citing gross negligence and emotional distress.

Medical experts across the country say the case is a painful reminder of the critical importance of adhering to evidence-based practices during labor and delivery — especially in high-risk situations. “Obstetrics is a field where minutes can mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Alicia Roman, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist not involved in the case. “If there are clear signs that a baby is in distress, a cesarean section must be performed without hesitation. Delays are not just dangerous — they can be fatal.”

The suspension of Dr. Lagunas’s license will remain in effect pending the outcome of a full disciplinary hearing. In the meantime, the Texas Medical Board has encouraged any patients or medical professionals with additional concerns or information to come forward as the investigation continues.

As this case unfolds, it brings to light broader concerns about oversight, communication, and accountability within the healthcare system — particularly in cases involving maternal and neonatal outcomes. For now, the families who have suffered irreparable loss are left searching for answers, hoping that their tragedies may serve as a catalyst for greater vigilance and reform.