Christmas in the Emergency Room
On one memorable Christmas, I found myself on call as the obstetrician-gynecologist at my hospital. It was a time meant for family and celebration, yet I was summoned to the emergency department to attend to a patient experiencing a first-trimester pregnancy loss. While early pregnancy losses are relatively common and often uncomplicated, this particular case raised alarms due to signs of a potential infection. Such situations can be life-threatening, demanding immediate attention.
Fortunately, the remedy for this condition is straightforward: a dilation and curettage procedure, commonly referred to as a D and C. This procedure involves dilating the cervix and carefully emptying the uterus. It is a fundamental aspect of OB-GYN care and typically represents the first surgical technique that many of us learn during our training.
I vividly recall my patient, who trembled with discomfort as I gently pressed on her abdomen. Her eyelids appeared pale, an indication that she had experienced significant blood loss. Our medical team sprang into action, initiating an intravenous line, ordering medication to stimulate uterine contractions, and preparing an operating room for the necessary procedure.
However, despite the urgency of the circumstances, I cannot recall whether this patient had arrived with a spontaneous miscarriage or if she had undergone a pregnancy termination. In truth, it is irrelevant; the care required is fundamentally the same in both scenarios. The healthcare systems in which I work are designed to deliver this essential care consistently, day and night, even on holidays like Christmas.
This might seem straightforward to me, yet across the nation, the landscape has changed significantly. Patients who present with complications stemming from pregnancy terminations are increasingly facing barriers to the care they desperately need.
- In Georgia, Amber Thurman tragically lost her life in a hospital after doctors delayed performing a D and C for over 20 hours. She had taken abortion pills, but her body failed to expel all of the pregnancy tissue.
- Candi Miller, another unfortunate case, died at home days after ingesting abortion pills she had procured online. An investigative committee later concluded that her death was partly due to the fear that prevented her from seeking timely medical assistance.
These stories highlight the urgent need for accessible and compassionate healthcare, regardless of the circumstances surrounding a patient’s condition.
