Texas Women Demand Federal Investigation Over Ectopic Pregnancy Care Denial
Two women from Texas have lodged formal complaints with the Biden administration, alleging that hospitals violated federal law by denying them necessary abortion care for life-threatening ectopic pregnancies.
Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. This condition poses significant health risks, as it cannot result in a viable pregnancy and can endanger the woman’s life.
A Harrowing Tale of Denial
Kyleigh Thurman, a 25-year-old from Burnet, Texas, was turned away from Ascension Williamson Hospital in February, despite her OB-GYN’s assertion that she might be dealing with an ectopic pregnancy. After returning to the hospital days later, suffering from severe pain and bleeding, Thurman received care only after her doctor intervened directly with the medical staff to insist on treatment.
Unfortunately, the delay led to a rupture of her ectopic pregnancy, resulting in a life-threatening situation that required emergency surgery. Thurman’s fertility now remains compromised as a consequence of the hospital’s inaction.
A Similar Struggle
Kelsie Norris-De La Cruz faced a comparable situation at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, just outside Dallas. She, too, received treatment only after her pregnancy was close to rupturing. This delay caused her to lose a fallopian tube and a significant portion of her right ovary, drastically impacting her reproductive health.
Rising Maternal Mortality Risks
It is alarming that ectopic pregnancies are recognized as the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester, accounting for up to 10% of pregnancy-related deaths across the United States. Norris-De La Cruz articulated the chilling reality of her experience, noting, “Despite the fact that my life was clearly in danger, the hospital told me that they could not help me.”
Legal Action and Federal Guidelines
The complaints, filed on behalf of the women by the Center for Reproductive Rights, claim the hospitals infringed upon the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). This federal law mandates that hospitals provide treatment for medical emergencies, including abortion services when warranted.
The need for federal intervention intensified after Texas state officials successfully blocked previous guidance from the Biden administration intended to clarify hospitals’ obligations to provide emergency abortion care under EMTALA. This guidance had aimed to safeguard hospitals that offered necessary treatments during emergencies.
Constraints Imposed by State Law
Despite the strict abortion restrictions in Texas, state law explicitly allows treatment for ectopic pregnancies. Yet, the fear of severe penalties for violating abortion bans—including heavy fines and long prison sentences—has cultivated a culture of fear among healthcare professionals, jeopardizing the care they provide. This fear, as intended by the aggressive enforcement of state laws, ultimately endangers patients’ lives.
Beth Brinkmann, a leading attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights, emphasized the often impossible situation faced by doctors, noting, “How many more people will nearly die before we see change?”
Request for Federal Investigation
The complaints filed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services challenge hospitals to comply with EMTALA and encourage subsequent investigations, which could result in penalties for non-compliance.
Recent analyses indicate that more than 100 pregnant women with critical medical situations have either been denied care or received insufficient treatment after seeking help at emergency rooms since 2022, underlining the urgent need for reform and accountability in healthcare practices concerning women’s reproductive health.
