What is an ectopic pregnancy?

In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus’ lining. In an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. As the fertilized egg grows, it can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the first trimester. Because of this, doctors must have a low threshold to suspect and treat ectopic pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancies are also not viable, meaning an ectopic pregnancy will never become a live baby because the fertilized egg cannot get the blood supply and support it needs to grow outside of the uterus. Therefore, treatment of ectopic pregnancies should not be affected by whether or not state law permits or does not permit women to receive abortion care. Sadly, all too often, doctors – particularly those in hospital systems that do not provide support and guidance around procedures that could potentially be considered abortions – refuse to provide this life-saving care and the consequences are dire.

Michelle represents women across the state who have suffered injury and neglect as a result of ectopic pregnancies that were left untreated. Some of her clients have become powerful advocates for women suffering ectopic pregnancies in Texas:

Meet Kyleigh:

• Texas hospital that discharged woman with doomed pregnancy violated the law, a federal inquiry finds | AP News
• Texas hospital that discharged woman with doomed pregnancy broke the law, inquiry finds
• Austin area hospital illegally delayed treatment for ectopic pregnancy | KUT Radio, Austin’s NPR Station
• Texas Hospital Discharged Woman with Untreated Ectopic Pregnancy
• Federal inquiry finds Texas hospital violated the law
• Two women file federal complaints, arguing Texas hospitals delayed care due to abortion ban | TPR

Meet Kelsie:

• Texas women denied abortions of ectopic pregnancies file complaints
• Texas hospital refused to treat ectopic pregnancy: complaint | Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• Norris-De-La-Cruz-EMTALA-complaint-2024.pdf
• Texas Women Say Ectopic Pregnancies Went Untreated—And They Lost Their Fallopian Tubes

If you or a loved one experienced an ectopic pregnancy that went untreated by healthcare providers from whom you sought care, contact Michelle.