Georgia Woman Dies of ‘Preventable’ Infection Due to State’s Abortion Laws

A 28-year-old Georgia mother died from a preventable infection after being denied urgent medical care due to the state’s stringent abortion laws. A state investigation concluded that her death was “preventable” had she received timely treatment.

Thurman’s death raised serious concerns about the dangers posed by such legislation and its impact on women’s health.

In August 2022, Thurman sought an abortion after being denied the procedure in Georgia due to a law prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. She travelled to a North Carolina clinic, where she received medication to terminate her pregnancy. However, complications arose when she did not expel all the foetal tissue.

 

Thurman experienced heavy bleeding and severe pain, ultimately losing consciousness at home. When she arrived at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, doctors did not perform a necessary dilation and curettage (D&C) due to Georgia’s stringent laws surrounding abortion. 

According to Propublica, doctors waited 20 hours to operate as they monitored Thurman’s condition, during which her health deteriorated. Her blood pressure dropped, and her organs began to fail. By the time she underwent surgery, it was too late. Thurman passed away from complications.

Georgia’s law defines a medical emergency narrowly, allowing abortions only when a woman’s life is at risk. 

 

 

In interviews with over three dozen OB-GYNs in states with strict abortion laws, ProPublica found that the “vague and conflicting language” surrounding medical exceptions creates serious challenges for healthcare providers. Doctors said “their judgement could be called into question under the threat of prison time.”