(ORTL Communications Director Note: In late October, 2023, a young pregnant Texas woman tragically passed away after developing sepsis. Recent media reports have unfairly attributed her death to Texas’ pro-life laws. Neveah Crain’s death was heartbreaking. But it was not due to pro-life legislation).
This article was written by Lauren Muzyka, president of Sidewalk Advocates for Life. It is reprinted with permission.
(Sidewalk Advocates for Life) I have received a ton of messages this past week on the Texas case of Nevaeh Crain and her preborn baby who died at the end of October [2023], and people saying that the Texas abortion ban caused her death. This one tragic story is indicative of a broader misconception that is plaguing the national debate on abortion — namely, that pro-life laws that outlaw abortion are endangering women.
Abortion proponents are claiming that the doctors in Texas couldn’t facilitate an emergency early delivery and possibly save the life of Nevaeh Crain because of the state law. In short, that’s a LIE.
The facts are:
- Nevaeh Crain was an 18-year-old woman who was happy to be six months pregnant; she fell ill and sought treatment at 3 different hospitals in southeast Texas.
- At the first two hospitals, she was diagnosed with strep and a urinary tract infection and dismissed, despite signs of sepsis – an overwhelming response to infection that can lead to organ failure and death.
- The medical standard of care was reportedly not followed, and the doctor who discharged her, when she was too weak to walk, had a history of malpractice.
- Texas law does allow for emergency early delivery, and that is not an abortion; no one is intentionally killed in that situation (which is what an abortion is); both mom and baby are treated as patients, and the hope is to save both.
- Sepsis is a real danger to patients and more efforts must be made to spot the signs earlier.
- We have a multitude of doctors telling us that this woman and her baby could have been saved if they had not received substandard care.
Dr. Susan Bane — a board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology from the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs (AAPLOG) — explains what really happened in this case (Click here to view the video).
Prioritizing politics over professional care:
Sadly, instead of addressing the serious concerns about the medical care Nevaeh received, this case has become another tragic example of pro-abortion extremists prioritizing politics over women’s health.
Indeed, this story was originally reported on by ProPublica — a liberal news outlet running a series of articles to purportedly demonstrate “How Abortion Bans Lead to Preventable Deaths.” Since then, Nevaeh’s parents have shared their concerns that Neveah’s death is being used for politics rather than focusing on the hospitals who the parents believe are to blame.
Dr. Ingrid Skop, a Texas OB/GYN and Vice President of Medical Affairs for the Charlotte Lozier Institute, echoes the concern about “ProPublica’s ideological motivation.” She explains that Texas law permits doctors to use their medical judgment when treating a pregnancy emergency, and exhorts Texas medical organizations and hospitals “to do better to make sure that every physician understands their duty to provide lifesaving care.”
Sadly, many professional medical associations have been, at best, silent on this critical issue or, at worst, complicit in the politicization of women’s reproductive healthcare. These associations have long provided guidance when new medical regulations have arisen, even advising their members to take continuing medical education to ensure competent care of their patients.
“But this time it did not work this way. None of the medical organizations voluntarily helped the doctors understand the law, and in fact, sometimes they were stirring up the confusion and fear themselves,” says Dr. Skop.
What we can do to share the truth:
Friends, this situation — where pro-life laws are being blamed for failures in the medical profession — is infuriating. But we are not without recourse. Within our own communities, among friends and family and online, we can be trusted voices for truth. I urge you to share the facts that organizations like AAPLOG and Charlotte Lozier are posting.
For those of you in Texas (or with friends asking questions about the Texas case), you can share our podcast with Dr. Bane’s insight right here. The most important thing we can do as the pro-life public is to learn the facts, share them, and push back the lies for the sake of our important cause on behalf of women and children.
