The Real-World Impacts Of Abortion Laws
Women across the country share how the Roe v. Wade decision affects them.
LEARN MORETexas Hospitals Delaying Care Over Abortion Law, Letter Says
The Biden admin. issued guidance that hospitals must provide abortion care if the pregnant woman's life is at risk. Texas sued over that guidance.
Texas Hospitals Delaying Care Over Abortion Law, Letter Says
Eric Gay / AP
July 16, 2022
Some hospitals in Texas have reportedly refused to treat patients with major pregnancy complications for fear of violating the state's abortion ban, the Texas Medical Association said in a letter this week.
The association did not name the hospitals but said it's received complaints that hospitals, administrators and their attorneys may be prohibiting doctors from providing medically appropriate care in some situations, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Texas law bans most abortions after about six weeks of a pregnancy. A total ban — that includes an exemptions if a woman's life or health is danger — will take effect in the coming weeks following last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.
The letter, sent Wednesday to the Texas Medical Board, cited several examples in which medical care was delayed.
In one case, a central Texas hospital reportedly told a physician not to treat an ectopic pregnancy until it ruptured, the letter said. An ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg attached outside of the uterus, is not viable.
“Delayed or prevented care in this scenario creates a substantial risk for the patient’s future reproductive ability and poses serious risk to the patient’s immediate physical wellbeing,” the letter said.
The Texas Medical Board confirmed it received the letter but a spokesperson said the board cannot confirm or deny any specific complaints.
The Biden administration issued guidance this week that said hospitals must provide abortion services if the life of the mother is at risk.
Texas sued Thursday over that guidance, arguing that the federal government isn’t authorized to require emergency healthcare providers to perform abortions.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
Texas Sues Biden Administration Over Emergency Abortion Guidance
The lawsuit comes after the Biden administration told hospitals Monday that they "must" provide abortion services if the woman's life is at risk.
LEARN MORE3:42
Hollywood is personifying abortion like never before
More films and shows are bringing up the topic of abortion than ever before, but experts say their depictions aren't entirely accurate.
By Scripps News6:33
VP Harris rallies against GOP push to roll back abortion rights
The White House is trying to show it is determined to restore abortion rights, even though there's little chance of progress on that front in D.C.
By Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat via AP2:41
March for Life returns to DC with new post-Roe v. Wade focus
This is the first time the March for Life has occurred since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
By Patrick Semansky / APTop Stories
3:44
Meet the musician teaching the banjo's African roots
As he performs across the country, Jake Blount is helping listeners learn how the banjo relates to Black American culture.
By Scripps News3:16
How authorities are combatting counterfeit Super Bowl gear
There's a spike in fake sports gear around the Super Bowl each year, and criminals are getting savvier and more sophisticated.
By AP3:45
This is how South Carolina is fixing the correctional officer shortage
A lack of correctional officers across the country is expected to worsen, but South Carolina is making changes to recruit and retain more workers.
By Scripps News