Two friends were denied care after Florida banned abortion. One almost died.

Synopsis

Washington Post reporter Caroline Kitchener follows the story of two friends who found themselves in dangerous situations due to Florida’s abortion ban. Anya Cook was denied care after her water broke early, losing nearly half the blood in her body as she miscarried in a bathroom. 

Shanae Smith-Cunningham faced the same complication, sought treatment, and was told by doctors to return to the hospital only if her condition worsened, forcing her to endure a painful miscarriage without any assistance.

In both cases, doctors, fearing prison time under Florida’s strict abortion laws, refused to intervene, leaving Anya and Shanae without the critical care they needed. Their cases highlight the terrifying consequences of abortion bans, which deny women access to life-saving medical care. Anya nearly died from blood loss, while Shanae lived in constant fear for her health. Both women are left questioning how they can safely try for another child in a state where abortion laws jeopardize their lives.