40/29 News
Fort Smith mom has stillbirth after pregnancy complications
Synopsis
In Arkansas, Theresa Lee was forced to carry a pregnancy she knew had no chance of survival because doctors, bound by state law, couldn’t intervene. In an interview with Allison Wise at 40/29 News, Theresa shared how, at 20 weeks, doctors discovered that her daughter Cielle had no amniotic fluid, wasn’t growing, and would not survive. Under Arkansas’ abortion ban, Theresa was only given one option: to wait, because there was still a fetal heartbeat.
Despite knowing her health was at serious risk, doctors had Theresa continue the pregnancy. Seven weeks later, her daughter’s heartbeat stopped and Theresa could finally get the care she needed.
I didn’t think it was fair that I would have to grieve my daughter but also feel her at the same time. She was still moving. I felt her move every night.
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