A veteran Texas obstetrician with nearly 40 years of medical experience has had her license temporarily suspended following the deaths of two infants under her care during childbirth. Dr. Yolanda Lagunas, an El Paso-based physician, was disciplined by the Texas Medical Board earlier this month after the board cited “major issues” in her patient care that directly contributed to the tragic outcomes.
The board concluded that her continued practice posed “a continuing threat to the public.” According to official documents, the first case that drew the board’s attention occurred last year, when Dr. Lagunas proceeded with a vaginal delivery for more than 12 hours despite signs of “fetal distress” that called for an emergency cesarean section.
Tragically, the baby died after being strangled by the umbilical cord during the prolonged delivery. The board mandated that Lagunas undergo medical training and assessment to review her clinical judgment and decision-making. However, a second, nearly identical case soon followed, prompting urgent action, according to the KFOX.
In the second instance, a full-term expectant mother was admitted for labor induction at around 6 p.m. Lagunas saw the patient the following morning but then allegedly failed to monitor her for the next 35 hours. During that time, fetal monitoring indicated signs of serious distress, which the board said warranted an immediate delivery.
“Respondent did not properly monitor the patient and failed to recognize the deterioration in the fetus,” the board wrote in its complaint. “This delay resulted in the unnecessary death of the fetus.”
The board concluded that Dr. Lagunas failed to act appropriately despite clear indications of fetal compromise and has now suspended her license pending further review. Lagunas, who earned her license in 1986, is a longtime El Paso resident and formerly served in a medical capacity in the U.S. Army while studying at Texas A&M University.
Her now-inaccessible website described her approach to women’s health as “down to earth” and “no nonsense.” As of this week, the voicemail at her clinic informed callers that the office will be “closed until further notice.” The Texas Medical Board has not yet provided a timeline for a possible reinstatement, but emphasized that further evaluation will be required before such a decision can be considered.