**Pregnant Texas Woman Dies After Being Denied Abortion**
**Woman was told it would be a 'crime' to intervene in her miscarriage**
**Death highlights the dangers of restrictive abortion laws**
A pregnant woman in Texas died after being denied an abortion, highlighting the dangers of restrictive abortion laws. The woman, who was 34 weeks pregnant, went to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
She was told that her baby had no heartbeat and that she was miscarrying but that the hospital could not perform an abortion because of the state's strict abortion ban. The woman was sent home and told to come back if her condition worsened.
Two days later, the woman returned to the emergency room in septic shock. She died a few hours later.
The woman's death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of restrictive abortion laws. These laws make it difficult or impossible for women to get the care they need, and they can have deadly consequences.
The Texas abortion ban is one of the most restrictive in the country. It prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape or incest. The law has been challenged in court, but it remains in effect while the legal challenges proceed.
The woman's death is a wake-up call for lawmakers. They need to repeal restrictive abortion laws and ensure that all women have access to the care they need.
**What happened to the woman?**
The woman, who has not been identified, went to the emergency room at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio on April 25 with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. She was 34 weeks pregnant.
Doctors told the woman that her baby had no heartbeat and that she was miscarrying. However, they said they could not perform an abortion because of the state's strict abortion ban.
The woman was sent home and told to come back if her condition worsened.
Two days later, the woman returned to the emergency room in septic shock. She died a few hours later.
**What is the Texas abortion ban?**
The Texas abortion ban, known as Senate Bill 8, was passed in May 2021. It prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape or incest.
The law has been challenged in court, but it remains in effect while the legal challenges proceed.
**What are the dangers of restrictive abortion laws?**
Restrictive abortion laws make it difficult or impossible for women to get the care they need. This can have deadly consequences, as in the case of the woman in Texas.
Restrictive abortion laws also disproportionately affect women of color and low-income women. These women are more likely to have unintended pregnancies and to lack access to healthcare.
**What can be done to protect women's access to abortion?**
The best way to protect women's access to abortion is to repeal restrictive abortion laws. Lawmakers should also pass laws that ensure that all women have access to affordable, quality healthcare.
We can also support organizations that are fighting to protect women's access to abortion. These organizations provide essential care to women in need and they advocate for policies that protect women's rights.
