Florida has taken swift action against a nurse whose disturbing online remarks targeted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt with wishes of severe harm during childbirth.
Florida officials issued an emergency suspension of the nursing license of Alexis Backer Lawler, R.N., following a controversial video she posted online. The suspension, ordered by State Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, prohibits Lawler from practicing as a registered nurse in the state.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the immediate effect of this decision on Wednesday via a post on X, while Lawler’s former employer, Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, confirmed her termination last week.
Lawler, previously a labor and delivery nurse at the hospital, posted a video wishing permanent injury on Leavitt during childbirth and later reiterated her stance without apology. The hospital distanced itself from her comments, stating to Fox News Digital that they do not align with its values or professional standards. Uthmeier had earlier urged the Florida Board of Nursing to revoke Lawler’s license entirely.
Lawler’s video was not just a fleeting lapse in judgment; it was a deliberate and vicious statement. She declared, “As a labor and delivery nurse, it gives me great joy to wish Karoline Leavitt a fourth-degree tear.” Such words from someone entrusted with patient care raise serious concerns about trust in medical professionals.
Even after the backlash, Lawler showed no remorse, doubling down with further profanity-laced defiance. Her later remarks dismissed criticism as trivial compared to unrelated grievances she cited. This lack of accountability only deepens the argument for strict oversight of those in caregiving positions.
Florida’s response, led by Uthmeier and Ladapo, sends a clear message that wishing harm on anyone—especially in a professional context—crosses an unacceptable line. Uthmeier stated, “Making statements that wish pain and suffering on anyone, when those statements are directly related to one's practice, is an ethical red line we should not cross.” That’s a principle worth defending in an era where personal vendettas too often spill into public spaces.
Healthcare is built on trust, and patients, particularly women in vulnerable moments like childbirth, deserve to feel safe. Uthmeier’s point that no one should fear a nurse’s political biases affecting their care hits hard. It’s not about silencing speech; it’s about ensuring duty prevails over personal grudges.
The progressive push to frame every consequence as censorship often ignores the real-world impact of reckless words. When a nurse uses her platform to wish bodily harm, it’s not just “free speech”—it’s a betrayal of her role. That’s why Florida’s decisive suspension feels like a necessary guardrail.
Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital acted quickly by terminating Lawler, refusing to let her actions taint their reputation. Their stance underscores that healthcare isn’t a stage for personal rants, no matter how strongly someone feels. It’s a rare but welcome alignment of institutional accountability.
The emergency suspension order itself, signed by Ladapo, leaves no room for ambiguity—Lawler’s license to practice in Florida is halted. This isn’t a slap on the wrist; it’s a firm barrier to protect the public. The state’s priority here is clear and commendable.
Some might argue Lawler’s comments were just hyperbole, not a real threat, but intent isn’t the only issue. Her words, tied directly to her expertise as a labor and delivery nurse, carry a unique weight. They erode the sanctity of a profession meant to heal, not harm.
Florida’s action isn’t about punishing thought; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of healthcare. When professionals weaponize their roles to express malice, the ripple effect on public confidence is undeniable. Patients shouldn’t second-guess whether their nurse harbors ill will.
The debate over personal freedom versus professional responsibility will likely continue, but this case feels like a line in the sand. Lawler’s suspension serves as a reminder that with great trust comes great accountability. Florida’s stand prioritizes the vulnerable over unchecked expression, and that’s a balance worth striking.
