The AP published a report that revealed more than 100 pregnant women in the United States who sought emergency medical help were either turned away or received substandard care. Examples included women miscarrying in restrooms, going into septic shock, and suffering from ruptured fallopian tubes due to untreated ectopic pregnancies. The Biden administration has warned hospitals to provide necessary care to pregnant patients, but some facilities are still not doing so, raising concerns about violations of a federal law.
The state of Texas is highlighted as a particularly problematic area for emergency pregnancy care due to strict abortion laws that can result in up to 99 years in prison for doctors who perform illegal abortions. The laws make it challenging for doctors to make decisions about emergency pregnancy care, such as treating ectopic pregnancies. The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed complaints against Texas hospitals for failing to treat patients with ectopic pregnancies, leading to serious health consequences.
Diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy can be difficult, as doctors may not always be able to locate the pregnancy’s location through ultrasounds. Hormone levels, bleeding, positive pregnancy tests, and other indicators may point to an ectopic pregnancy. However, the fear of running afoul of state abortion bans in Texas has made doctors hesitant to provide necessary care to pregnant patients, even in emergency situations, putting women’s lives at risk.
In a specific case, Kyleigh Thurman shared her experience of being repeatedly turned away by an emergency room in Texas with an ectopic pregnancy. Despite coming back to the hospital multiple times, she was not given proper treatment until her fallopian tube ruptured, putting her life in danger. The hospital has declined to comment on the case, but Thurman has filed a complaint along with the Center for Reproductive Rights to demand accountability and justice for the harm caused.
The AP investigation also uncovered troubling cases in other states, including incidents in Florida, where women were left to miscarry in public restrooms and faced complications due to unanswered medical needs. The shortage of medical staff, challenges in diagnosing pregnancy complications, and conflicting state laws are contributing to dangerous situations for pregnant women seeking emergency care. Doctors and hospitals are struggling to navigate these complexities while ensuring the health and safety of pregnant patients.
Overall, the report raises concerns about the safety of pregnant women seeking emergency care across the United States. The combination of staffing shortages, diagnostic challenges, and conflicting state laws is creating a dangerous environment for pregnant patients who require urgent medical attention. Advocates are calling for increased accountability, clearer guidelines, and improved training for medical professionals to ensure that pregnant women receive the care they need in emergency situations.
