Avery Davis Bell, a 34-year-old mother from Atlanta, faced a life-threatening situation after complications arose during her second pregnancy. Her condition, delayed access to an abortion due to Georgia’s restrictive laws, has left her dealing with lasting health issues.
Bell and her husband were overjoyed to learn of her pregnancy in July, but at seven weeks, she was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma, a condition causing bleeding between the amniotic sac and uterine wall. Advised to remain on bed rest, she faced frequent bleeding and underwent biweekly testing. By October 17, her health took a critical turn—her water broke prematurely, and severe hemorrhaging led to anemia, raising her risk of infection.
Doctors advised a D&E procedure to prevent further health complications, but because the fetus still had cardiac activity, Georgia’s abortion laws required a 24-hour waiting period. Under Georgia’s post-six-week abortion ban, an abortion is only allowed in cases of “medical emergency or medically futile pregnancy,” where a mother’s life is at imminent risk.
As her hemoglobin levels dropped dangerously low, Bell’s condition finally met the emergency threshold, and the abortion was performed. Even with the procedure, she required a blood transfusion and two iron infusions to stabilize her health. Doctors estimate it may take her up to six months to recover fully.
Reflecting on her experience, Bell expressed frustration over the ordeal, saying, “Women in America are dying, their children are losing their mothers because of some non-scientific, non-rights based legal rhetoric.” She added, “I’m furious that it was harder than it needed to be for me.”
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