Comment on Death of Amber Thurman
9.16.24 (PRESS STATEMENT)—Today, ProPublica reported that multiple women in Georgia have died as a result of the state’s six-week abortion ban. Georgia’s maternal mortality review committee found that these deaths were preventable. One of the women—Amber Thurman—died from a fatal infection after the hospital refused to allow doctors to intervene until it was too late.
Statement from Nancy Northup, President & CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights:
“Amber Thurman should be alive today. Her death was preventable—her doctors knew how to perform the very basic medical procedure needed to save her life, but felt their hands were tied because of the state’s abortion ban. The Georgia lawmakers who passed this ban are ultimately responsible for her death, and the Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.
This needless loss of life will continue until abortion is legal and accessible once more. Amber’s case makes clear that even when abortion bans have exceptions for the life or health of the mother, those exceptions don’t work in reality. Abortion bans are dangerous, period. Our thoughts are with Amber’s loved ones and the many other families who are suffering under state abortion bans—we are continuing to fight for you.”
Eighteen states currently ban abortion entirely or as early as six weeks. You can find more information on state abortion laws here.
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