In the shadow of the recent changes to abortion laws in the United States, stories like that of Laurel Marcinkus bring to light the complexities and challenges faced by many. A motivational speaker and advocate for disability and reproductive rights, Marcinkus’s personal journey has become a testament to the ongoing debates surrounding women’s health and autonomy.
Residing in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with her family, Marcinkus discovered she was expecting her second child in July 2022, just after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Early in her pregnancy, she faced a potentially serious health concern: a blood clot in her uterus. Although initially deemed routine, this complication soon escalated.
Marcinkus’s pregnancies are inherently high-risk due to her chronic health conditions, including cerebral palsy, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). At around 21 weeks, the clot led to her water breaking and a placental abruption, a critical condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus.
During this time, Wisconsin’s abortion laws were interpreted as prohibiting the procedure unless the mother’s life was unequivocally at risk. Despite the threat to her life, the presence of a fetal heartbeat meant that multiple medical confirmations were required before labor could be induced. The survival odds for a fetus at 21 weeks remain exceedingly low, further complicating the situation.
Marcinkus had to endure a 24-hour wait, undergoing verification processes including exams by two doctors and two ultrasounds, before her labor could be induced. “That’s just one of the many reasons why, even in states where the life of the mother is taken into consideration, it’s so dangerous,” she expressed to the Wisconsin Independent.
Kristin Lyerly, a Wisconsin-based obstetrician, noted that it is standard care to offer termination in such early ruptures of membranes. Yet, due to legal complexities, hospitals often require dual doctor approvals, even when time is of the essence. “Everybody’s so afraid to put their name on a chart related to an abortion because they don’t want to go to jail,” Lyerly explained.
Tragically, Marcinkus’s daughter, Ember Rose, passed away two hours after birth. The name Ember Rose carries deep meaning for Marcinkus, symbolizing resilience and hope amidst adversity. “When I say ember, I don’t just mean my daughter, even though I do mean her,” she shared, emphasizing the broader symbolism of hope and perseverance.
As abortion regulations continue to evolve, Marcinkus remains vocal about her experience to advocate for change. “I don’t want this to continue to happen to women all over the country,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to raising awareness and preventing similar experiences for others.
