To the editor,
Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, and everyone in between can and do get pregnant. Pregnancy is not a partisan issue.
There are no abortion services in Waushara County. Women in Waushara County, however, have needed the emergency pre-natal services at the only hospital in Waushara County. As it is universally known, the status of any pregnancy can change in a moments time, requiring emergency care, which could result in the termination of a pregnancy.
I contacted the DA’s office and spoke with Matthew Leusink to inquire about the safety of women and their providers since the Supreme Court’s decision that was handed down on Friday, June 24. I questioned if women and their providers were protected under the 1849 law that is still on the books. I asked if a provider is protected should they need to perform a time sensitive, critical lifesaving, emergency procedure that would terminate a pregnancy. At this moment, women are left completely vulnerable should they need an emergency procedure that could save their life, as this issue has yet to be examined by local authorities.
DA Leusink inquired what emergencies were my concern, as he had no medical expertise. After a very brief description, I was informed that he (The District Attorney) would need to speak to Law Enforcement. They would be the ones who would initially receive a complaint, and then refer to the DA’s office for prosecution. DA Leusink did say he would “most likely defer to the doctor’s recommendation.” DA Leusink did clarify the law and those two or more doctors did not have to “sign off” for an emergency procedure to terminate a pregnancy be performed.
These imminent questions remain: How does all this factor in with a woman’s right to privacy and HIPPA laws? Who is supposed to report this to Law Enforcement? Does someone just report what they heard to Law Enforcement? Are doctors required to report the emergency termination of a pregnancy to Law Enforcement, or report a woman who has had one? Will Law Enforcement interrogate the provider? The Woman? Other Witnesses? Until these questions are answered pregnant women remain extremely unsafe and vulnerable.
Pregnancy loss is extremely common- occurring in up to an estimated 30% of all pregnancies. Some women have been criminalized for pregnancy loss. A medical and legal environment in which pregnant people may be criminalized for pregnancy loss can leave some reluctant to seek needed care and vulnerable to legal harm, and even death. With so many zealots’ virtue signaling, and with so much ambiguity in the law and its enforcement, I strongly recommend that women ask these questions of the District Attorney in the county which they reside. An alternate plan must be in place if a time sensitive procedure should be necessary, and you would not be able to get care from a facility in your county.
I would urge you to contact the District Attorney’s offices of nearby counties to determine if they are more vigilant in protecting your safety and the legal safety of their providers.
Sincerely,
/s/Joanne R Nelson
