To the editor:
When is the “life of a mother” in danger?
How close to death does she have to be to qualify for emergency care?
Whether it’s a miscarriage with complications or an ectopic pregnancy, in a restrictive state that puts fearful healthcare professionals in jeopardy the ultimate price will be paid by the woman. She is not safe.
Death is a process. The turned-away woman may not die right away. She could try again in a few days when the hemorrhaging gets worse… but at some point, the damage may not be reversible. The body will start to shut down.
So it is democracy herself. How do we sense her demise? When exactly is the moment to intervene? Biology tells us that even as the body dies, it still tries to repair itself. Will we be ready and able to begin the repairs on the body politic?
Let’s not wait until we’re on life support to find out.
Jean Reed Bahle Suttons Bay
