The dangerous realities surrounding women’s health in America have escalated significantly, particularly following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. A staggering 76% of adults in the U.S., equating to 194 million individuals, live with at least one chronic illness, with women facing these conditions at a heightened rate compared to men. Heart disease, cancer, and stroke rank as the leading causes of death among American women. While advancements in medical science allow for better management and treatment, recent developments have found women being denied life-saving care due to their pregnancy status.
The notion that pregnancy alleviates medical risks is misleading; rather, it often exacerbates pre-existing medical conditions. In states with stringent anti-abortion legislation, medical professionals operate under heightened anxiety, fearful of potential legal repercussions.
Ciji Graham, a 34-year-old police officer and mother from North Carolina, exemplifies this alarming trend. At six weeks pregnant with her second child, Graham sought medical help for unexpected chest pains and a heart rate soaring to 192 beats per minute—far exceeding the normal resting rate of 60 to 100 bpm. With a history of heart rhythm disorders, Graham had previously undergone a procedure called cardioversion, which safely restored her heartbeat. However, on this occasion, due to her pregnancy, she was sent home without treatment, as her doctor prioritized the potential risks to her pregnancy over her urgent health needs.
Graham did not initially seek an abortion; she merely required treatment for a serious heart condition. Medical specialists later indicated that the cardioversion procedure could have been administered safely during her pregnancy, yet in a climate of legal uncertainty, medical professionals hesitated to provide essential care.
Feeling that she had no other options to safeguard her health, Graham ultimately chose to terminate her pregnancy. The restrictive abortion laws in North Carolina complicate matters further, requiring additional appointments that delay access to care. As a result, she faced a two-week waiting period at the only abortion clinic in Greensboro, a situation exacerbated by an influx of patients from neighboring states with total abortion bans.
Tragically, Graham’s health deteriorated in the days following her medical appointment, leading to her being discovered unconscious at home. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead. Her family’s grief is compounded by the loss of a loving mother; her young son, who was present during the tragic event, has been told that his mother has gone to the “Mommy moon,” a heartfelt notion that illustrates the emotional void left in their lives.
Graham’s heartbreaking story is a stark reminder of the dire consequences that the intersection of women’s health care and legal restrictions can have. The complexities of navigating pregnancy-related health care now pose significant risks to women’s lives, highlighting a pressing need for comprehensive reform in health care policies to safeguard women’s rights and health.