Louisiana woman forced to give birth to baby with no head

[Indy Texas]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

“It was an abnormal ultrasound, and they noticed the top of the baby’s head was missing and the skull was missing, the top of the skull was missing,” Davis told local news outlet WAFB-9 in a story published Monday. “It’s hard, knowing that I’m carrying it to bury it, you know what I’m saying?”

Davis said she was 10 weeks into her pregnancy at the time of her ultrasound but is unable to get an abortion in her home state of Louisiana, thanks to the state’s near-total ban on the procedure. Her only options, she said, are to either carry the pregnancy to term or go out of state for an abortion.

This woman will have to spend thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of dollars of her own money to carry a pregnancy to term and then go through the emotional trauma of having to see her severely deformed child die shortly after birth.

All because Republicans can't mind their own business.

[Pedocon Theory is not a theory]

Her parents are responsible for that child as well under Louisiana Law, at least until she is fully dead.

A human life has been saved.  Glory to God!

[GP270watch]

Barbarism

[Yoda]

Can't wait to see the bloated orange cult leader try to defend these forced pregnancies on the campaign trail in '24.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

[Pedocon Theory is not a theory]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

Next they'll require two doctors to buy condoms. Christ, it's a goddamn clump of cells that doesn't have a head. You sickos really have nothing better to do than spend your time whining about whatboutism

[Yoda]

Her parents are responsible for that child as well under Louisiana Law, at least until she is fully dead.

A human life has been saved.  Glory to God!

You might wanna read that again, champ

[politicallefty]

Her parents are responsible for that child as well under Louisiana Law, at least until she is fully dead.

A human life has been saved.  Glory to God!

You might wanna read that again, champ

We have to respect all human life, including those born without a brain.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

Next they'll require two doctors to buy condoms. Christ, it's a goddamn clump of cells that doesn't have a head. You sickos really have nothing better to do than spend your time whining about whatboutism

Whining about whataboutism?
What does that have to do with the law I quoted?

If the fetus had a head, would it still be just a "goddamn clump of cells"?  Which fetal organs do you consider "clumps of cells"?

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Her parents are responsible for that child as well under Louisiana Law, at least until she is fully dead.

A human life has been saved.  Glory to God!

You might wanna read that again, champ

We have to respect all human life, including those born without a brain.

Very important advice when on Atlas forum.

[Pedocon Theory is not a theory]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

Next they'll require two doctors to buy condoms. Christ, it's a goddamn clump of cells that doesn't have a head. You sickos really have nothing better to do than spend your time whining about whatboutism

Whining about whataboutism?
What does that have to do with the law I quoted?

If the fetus had a head, would it still be just a "goddamn clump of cells"?  Which fetal organs do you consider "clumps of cells"?

All of them. Until it's viable it's a clump of cells.

[Pedocon Theory is not a theory]

Her parents are responsible for that child as well under Louisiana Law, at least until she is fully dead.

A human life has been saved.  Glory to God!

You might wanna read that again, champ

so let me get this straight, she's not mature enough to consider an abortion, but she is mature enough to be forced to raise a child? WTF?

Her parents are responsible for that child as well under Florida Law, at least until she is 18.

A human life has been saved.  Glory to God!

[Darthpi – Anti-Florida Activist]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

From the article: "Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Health released a list of medical conditions that would make a pregnancy “medically futile” and clear the way for a pregnant person to get an abortion. At the time, medical professionals criticized the list as incomplete."

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

From the article: "Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Health released a list of medical conditions that would make a pregnancy “medically futile” and clear the way for a pregnant person to get an abortion. At the time, medical professionals criticized the list as incomplete."

Right, they also said the list was not exhaustive. The judgement from two physicians applies in cases where there is a condition not listed.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Paging OSR on why this makes the GOP the party of Small Government

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Whining about whataboutism?
What does that have to do with the law I quoted?

If the fetus had a head, would it still be just a "goddamn clump of cells"?  Which fetal organs do you consider "clumps of cells"?

All of them. Until it's viable it's a clump of cells.

So as medical technology improves to make viability outside the womb occur earlier, this metaphysical transformation in the cells of the fetal body occurs earlier as well?   Incredible!

[Indy Texas]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

From the article: "Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Health released a list of medical conditions that would make a pregnancy “medically futile” and clear the way for a pregnant person to get an abortion. At the time, medical professionals criticized the list as incomplete."

Right, they also said the list was not exhaustive. The judgement from two physicians applies in cases where there is a condition not listed.

And you don't think the vagueness of the law is going to make doctors and hospitals just "err on the side of caution" and refuse to do the abortion? Why would a hospital or doctor make themselves the target of the Right-Wing Legal Industrial Complex that would descend like a flight of valkyries at the mere possibility of an illegal abortion?

[Skill and Chance]

Wait how is the child alive without a head?!

[Horus]

Barbarism

Even barbarians were likely more civil on these matters.

This is flat out diabolical.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

From the article: "Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Health released a list of medical conditions that would make a pregnancy “medically futile” and clear the way for a pregnant person to get an abortion. At the time, medical professionals criticized the list as incomplete."

Right, they also said the list was not exhaustive. The judgement from two physicians applies in cases where there is a condition not listed.

And you don't think the vagueness of the law is going to make doctors and hospitals just "err on the side of caution" and refuse to do the abortion? Why would a hospital or doctor make themselves the target of the Right-Wing Legal Industrial Complex that would descend like a flight of valkyries at the mere possibility of an illegal abortion?

Clearly some doctors and hospitals are erring on the side of caution to what appears to be a very large degree, but in all these articles we never get any statement from them or their lawyers explaining their decision and what part of the law they feel constrains them.  Seems like that would be pretty important to know, though  I suppose maybe HIPAA gets in the way of that.

[T'Chenka]

Republicans want this. If given the opportunity, they'll vote for this again.

[Darthpi – Anti-Florida Activist]

Her baby suffers from acrania—an untreatable, fatal condition—but Louisiana's abortion ban only allows exceptions if the mother's life is in danger.

Not true.  Gov. Edwards signed Senate Bull 342 in June.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed Senate Bill 342 by Sen. Katrina Jackson, which is relative to the application of Louisiana’s abortion statutes.  While this legislation is similar to that passed in 2006, which is effective upon Roe V. Wade being overturned, Senate Bill 342 would expand the exceptions contained in the 2006 legislation to include instances of medical futility and ectopic pregnancies. Further, this bill will confirm what is unclear in the 2006 legislation, which is that emergency contraception is available under Senate Bill 342 for victims of rape and incest prior to when a pregnancy can be clinically diagnosed. 

https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3727

Here's the text on the medical futility exception:

(vi) The removal of an unborn child who is deemed to be medically futile. The diagnosis shall be a medical judgment certified by two qualified physicians and recorded in the woman's medical record. The medical procedure shall be performed in a licensed ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Upon the completion of the procedure, the physician shall submit an individual abortion report consistent with R.S. 40:1061.21 that includes appropriate evidence of the certified diagnosis.

https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=242567
https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289698

For some reason the hospital thinks this doesn't apply in this case, I'd be interested to know why.   I expect the Louisiana Dept of Health will attempt a clarification on the applicability of the law to this condition.

From the article: "Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Health released a list of medical conditions that would make a pregnancy “medically futile” and clear the way for a pregnant person to get an abortion. At the time, medical professionals criticized the list as incomplete."

Right, they also said the list was not exhaustive. The judgement from two physicians applies in cases where there is a condition not listed.

And you don't think the vagueness of the law is going to make doctors and hospitals just "err on the side of caution" and refuse to do the abortion? Why would a hospital or doctor make themselves the target of the Right-Wing Legal Industrial Complex that would descend like a flight of valkyries at the mere possibility of an illegal abortion?

It's worth noting that a significant percentage of hospitals in the United States are run by either the Catholic Church or other religious organizations and thus they often take a much, much less accommodating stance toward even medically-necessary abortions than other hospitals do. Not sure if that's part of what is going on here, but it's worth considering as a possibility.

This is, of course, a great reason why we should have a National Health Service like the UK, but that's a much larger discussion that probably deserves its own thread.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Wait how is the child alive without a head?!

Missing part of the head. Not total headlessness.
https://carryingtoterm.org/diagnosis-glossary/acrania/

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Wait how is the child alive without a head?!

75% of preborn babies with acrania spontaneously abort or miscarry. The remainder are able to survive for hours, days, or weeks, which can only be a painful and traumatizing experience for all involved.

Medically speaking, the only part of your brain necessary for "survival" is the brain stem, but obviously this is not something we should consider a life. As for why doctors err on the side of caution in not aborting, it's because they're scared of being sued. Otherwise that woman in Texas wouldn't have nearly bled to death because doctors could only remove the fetus from her infected uterus when the heartbeat stopped.

This is the problem with "medical exceptions" being enshrined into law and why ever since Dobbs I've become less supportive of time restrictions; the only reason a woman would have an abortion so late in a pregnancy is for medical reasons and the people writing these laws don't know what the f#ck they're doing.

[Cashew]

The doctors should have done an abortion anyways, and left for a non atlas blue state afterwards. If they want to make a scene and try enforcing this abomination of a law so be it, this is one of the few hills worth dying on.