Last week a 25-year old woman filed an administrative complaint against Ascension Hospital in Round Rock, Texas, a city of about 126,000 about 20 miles north of Austin, because doctors had failed to treat her ectopic pregnancy, sending her home bleeding with a pamphlet to “let nature take its course.” She almost died before being treated several days later, and part of her reproductive system was destroyed.
Two other women, one in Texas and one in Florida, were left to miscarry bleeding in public restrooms because hospitals refused to treat their ectopic pregnancies. In Arkansas a woman went into septic shock. These are but a few of the more than 100 women who were refused medical care because doctors were afraid of state bans.
Of course, the men who issued the Dobbs decision don’t get pregnant, although presumably Justice Barrett, as a woman, could. State legislatures full of ideologues claiming they are “pro-life” (Is it pro-life to kill women?) have created a climate of fear in hospitals. Though they’ve come close, so far women haven’t actually died – so far.
Prayer for the Day
You have made us with minds to think, O God,
But blind ideologies can cloud our minds;
You have given us the gift of life, O God,
But often we do not understand its limits.
Grant, O Holy One, that we see reality for what it is,
Rather than blindly following ignorant beliefs.
In the name of the One who makes us think,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It is increasingly less safe to be pregnant and seeking emergency care in an emergency department.
Dara Kass, M.D., formerly with US Health and Human Services
She [OB-GYN MD] came in and she’s like, you’re either going to have to have a blood transfusion, or you’re going to have to have surgery or you’re going to bleed out. That’s when I just kind of was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m, I’m dying.”
Kyleigh Thurman, complainant against Ascension Hospital
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in integrity,
And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.
Psalm 26: 1-3