I am a fertility specialist, and Donna is one of my long-standing patients. She and her husband had run out of money for infertility treatments. But at age 41, Donna finally achieved her dream: pregnancy. Both blood tests and ultrasound showed appropriate growth. She was not interested in further testing as she was so excited just to be pregnant. She felt nothing could go wrong now that she was finally expecting a child.

She felt nothing could go wrong now that she was finally expecting a child.

At about 22 weeks, Donna’s obstetrician was concerned about a lack of fluid around the baby as well as diminished growth. Donna was sure that her baby was fine. At the next visit, Donna’s doctor insisted on further studies. The ultrasound showed anencephaly—in other words, Donna’s fetus was growing without a brain. Donna was devastated. She was now 26 weeks pregnant. Her obstetrician could not offer her any help except to follow her through the rest of the pregnancy.

Donna did not have insurance coverage for an abortion even if she could have had one legally at that stage in our state.

Donna did not have insurance coverage for an abortion even if she could have had one legally at that stage in our state. Legal late abortions are only available in Pennsylvania if there is a threat to the woman’s health, if she has been raped, or if she has been the victim of incest. Donna became severely depressed, unable to work or even get out of bed. Her obstetrician has planned a cesarean section for her due date, as such fetuses do not usually initiate delivery. Donna’s insurance will cover that procedure, it is legal, and it is the best her doctor can offer her. Her trauma has continued as she struggles with the guilt of having an abnormal fetus and the inability to get real help.