Wisconsin mom decided ending pregnancy was safest, most humane option. Then she had to leave state.

Synopsis

During her 21-week ultrasound, Megan Kling realized her baby had bilateral renal agenesis, a fatal genetic condition where the kidneys do not develop. This type of fetal abnormality is often undetected until later in pregnancy, leaving pregnant patients in states with abortion bans in an exceptionally difficult position. 

Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban (currently not enforced) prohibited Megan from getting an abortion. Megan was forced to travel out of state to get care in Minnesota.

In the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Jessica Van Egren describes how devastating abortion restrictions are for patients who are seeking care later in pregnancy, an experience exacerbated by the overturning of Roe v. Wade but one that has harmed patients for years.