An infant who underwent a routine circumcision at Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation in July 2024 suffered profuse bleeding and long‑term complications, according to a malpractice lawsuit filed in CNMI Superior Court.
The complaint, filed May 5 and signed by Attorney Michael W. Dotts, alleges that Dr. Geoffrey Fraiche improperly incised and excised penile tissue during the procedure, causing visible injury, swelling, and deformity. The child’s mother, Allyson Kanai, claims she witnessed the bleeding and distress to her newborn and later sought repeated emergency care for urinary obstruction, pain, and other complications.
Pediatric urology consultants determined the injuries were caused by the circumcision and that reconstructive surgery will be required when medically safe, the lawsuit states.
Kanai is suing the hospital and Fraiche for medical malpractice, failure to obtain informed consent, negligent hiring and supervision, and bystander emotional distress. The complaint alleges CHCC failed to ensure the procedure was performed by a competent provider and did not maintain adequate safeguards for patient safety.
The lawsuit seeks economic and non‑economic damages within the limits of the Government Liability Act, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long‑term impairment. Kanai also seeks up to $500,000 for her emotional‑distress claim.
While a summons has been issued, CHCC has yet to file a response, and the court has not placed the case on its calendar.
