Planned Parenthood agrees to pay
$1 million plus to settle
breast cancer misdiagnosis case

"The trial was about breast cancer, not abortion or politics," said James Linnan, the attorney for 24-year-old Lisa Joseph, whose breast cancer was misdiagnosed by Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson in New York. According to the Jan. 23 edition of the Glen Falls, N.Y., Post Star, Joseph was awarded a settlement in excess of $1 million. The paper reported that Joseph has two to five years to live and is undergoing weekly chemotherapy.

In a conversation with STOPP International, Linnan said he was not permitted to discuss the settlement; but he noted the Warren County Supreme Court trial testimony is public record. Linnan has given court transcripts to the New York State Department of Health in an effort to spur a full-scale investigation into Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson's medical practices.

During the trial, Planned Parenthood’s medical director defended its nurse practitioner, Ella Mary Wylie, who testified that she could diagnose cancer with her fingertips. Linnan said one doctor testified that such practice was "outrageous." Another doctor voluntarily testified against Planned Parenthood despite his prior association with it.

On two separate occasions, Wylie told Joseph that the lump in her breast was not cancerous. Joseph was told she was too young to have cancer. Two months later, she sought a second opinion elsewhere and had the lump removed. However, the cancer has found its way into her chest wall.

"This is another tragic case involving a Planned Parenthood clinic—and we have exposed others in recent months," said STOPP International's national director, Edward Szymkowiak. "We urge prayers for Lisa, and we urge women to think twice about going to any Planned Parenthood clinic for any reason."

Release issued: 7 Mar 01