Stop Complicating Ectopic Pregnancies

Photo by Alicia Petresc for Unsplash

The opinions reflected in this OpEd are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of staff, faculty and students of The King's College.

(OPINION) Few current political issues are as emotional, tumultuous or polarizing as abortion. Approaching the topic inevitably evokes deep pain and a sense of injustice from both sides of the aisle. Rumors of lawsuits against physicians continue to pop up, especially in heavily anti-abortion states like Texas. While this results in an influx of fear and division within communities, the opportunity arises for Democrats and Republicans to collaborate on the state-wide level. 

Recently, the mainstream press has begun to scrutinize a specific facet of the abortion issue: ectopic pregnancy procedures. The Left warns that newly-enacted anti-abortion trigger laws will cause doctors to hesitate and forgo life-saving care. The Right argues that no bill passed into law prevents surgeons from completing necessary operations when a mother’s life is in danger.

Unsurprisingly, one side labels treatments as “forms of abortion,” while the other claims they are “exceptions” to abortion laws or “necessary procedures.” Surprisingly, both are correct. Wanting to protect the lives of expecting mothers is basic common ground and should inspire legislative clarification instead of provoking further division.   

Planned Parenthood defines “abortion” as “a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.” Additionally, the organization states “ectopic pregnancy” is “when a pregnancy grows outside of your uterus, usually in your fallopian tube.” According to the ACOG, the rupturing of fallopian tubes can result in life-threatening internal bleeding and usually requires immediate pregnancy-ending medication or surgery.

Thus, it is logical to conclude that procedures ending ectopic pregnancies should be considered forms of abortion, even though they are notably not elective and deal with pregnancies that are ultimately unviable. 

Politicians and commentators have been quick to demonize states enacting anti-abortion policies, attempting to create panic surrounding access to treatment for ectopic pregnancies. In a tweet referring to Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed that “he decided half the country should risk death if they have an ectopic pregnancy within the wrong state lines.” While this alarming claim has been repeatedly alleged, the state laws claim otherwise. 

In Texas, where some of the strictest abortion restrictions apply, section 171 of the Health and Safety Code clarifies that physicians may perform abortion procedures if they determine that a woman’s pregnancy “may result in her death or in substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” While state legislation may offer such clarifications, the ACOG warns that any vagueness in anti-abortion laws will inevitably confuse physicians, leading to prevented care to avoid prosecution. 

Healthcare providers need to stay aware of the laws that affect their practices. NPR reported that several facilities in Austin, Texas have stopped prescribing medications used to terminate ectopic pregnancies out of fear of legal ramifications. This not only prevents women from receiving the medical care they need but promotes a misreading of the law. 

The Cut recently published an article explaining each Republican midterm candidate’s position on abortion. Practically all of the candidates favored exceptions to anti-abortion legislation- especially when it came to the mother’s life. With this opinion being reflected across both sides of the aisle, clarifying state legislation could potentially assist in making physicians feel more secure in their decisions.

While shamefully pushed as a panic-worthy issue to promote the normalization of abortion in general, the truth regarding care for ectopic pregnancies must be made clear. Yes, the termination of an ectopic pregnancy should be considered a form of abortion due to similarities in procedures and definitions. However, we must consider the unique aspects of inviability and the life-threatening nature of the pregnancy. 

As we enter a “post-Roe” era, we cannot ignore the challenges staring us in the face, begging us to actively protect both women and our future generation. Mothers should be able to receive the treatment they need from doctors who feel confident in the legality of their treatments. With continued clarification and recognition of the law, states and physicians alike must learn to properly differentiate between legal emergency care and illegal elective abortion procedures. If state officials can bring this hope to fruition, patients will, at last, consistently be able to receive the proper care they need. 

Julia Jensen is a sophomore studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. She is also the President of TKC Students for Life.