Arlington Hospital is one of several hospitals that have been accused by two Texas women in federal complaints of having denied them essential care for their life-threatening ectopic pregnancies. They both claim to have sustained lasting injuries as a result. In fact, these are the first such claims since Roe v.Wade was overturned and they are represented by the Centre for Reproductive Rights.
Texas hospital allegations
Kyleigh Thurman, 25 years old, has lodged formal accusations against Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital located near Austin (Will and Serrano). Kelsie Norris-De La Cruz, also aged 25, is suing Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital. The complaint alleges that the respective hospital’s actions seriously jeopardized their future fertility and reproductive health.
Thurman said, “It is unacceptable to me having my symptoms be dismissed, my pain be dismissed.”
The Legal and Medical Confusion Post Roe V Wade
According to the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), this ban has created confusion among doctors and healthcare systems about what kind of treatments can be given in cases where pregnancies are dangerous (Broughton). Due to such uncertainty there is hesitancy in giving necessary treatment thinking more on its legality than medical importance.
“I mean we’re talking about doctors going to prison for life or losing their license,” says Molly Duane who works for CRR as an attorney. “So yeah they’re terrified to provide care.”
Ectopic pregnancy dangers
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus making it impossible to carry through with it. If not treated these pregnancies may cause fatal bleeding. Federal law requires all hospitals provide stabilizing medical care for every patient even if this means performing abortion.
“…And I know that it’s true because I know something wrong happened to me that my rights were violated.” (Thurman)
Pro-Life Perspective On Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
Nevertheless, Texas law permits doctors to treat ectopic pregnancies despite these complex legal issues. This is supported by Texans for Life Coalition, an anti-abortion group.
“She can’t save that baby and there’s no way to preserve her life. So it isn’t a question,” says the president of the pro-life organization Kyleen Wright. “I don’t know of any organization that would support asking her to sacrifice her life for a nonviable baby.”
When House Bill 3058 was signed into law in 2023, Wright was present with Gov. Greg Abbott signing it (Will and Serrano). The bill gives healthcare providers permission to treat ectopic pregnancies based on “reasonable medical judgment”.
“We did exactly what the doctors and hospital groups asked us to do on that legislation,” said Wright. “So I don’t think there’s any confusion on that.”
Investigation and hospital responses
The US Department of Health and Human Services has been given the federal complaints (Broughton). The timeline for the investigation has not been established yet.
“I know that my rights were violated… I mean we’re talking about people going to prison for life or losing their license.” Molly Duane/CRR attorney.
Texas Health Arlington Memorial declined request for comment.
Even though Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital refused to discuss Thurman’s case but made a statement supporting their commitment towards providing high-quality care to all who seek them out.
