Latest news with #Cammack
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Republican Says Abortion Law Fear Delayed Her Care for Ectopic Pregnancy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Florida Republican is blaming fearmongering from abortion-rights groups about the state's abortion law for doctors hesitating to treat her ectopic pregnancy last year. Representative Kat Cammack went to the emergency room in May 2024 and needed a shot of methotrexate to help expel her ectopic pregnancy. Though doctors estimated that she was just five weeks pregnant, there was no heartbeat and her life was at risk, Cammack told the Wall Street Journal that staff had resisted giving her the drug because they were worried about losing their licenses or going to jail after Florida's near-total abortion ban took effect. Hours later, doctors agreed to give her the drug, she told the newspaper. Newsweek has contacted Cammack's office and abortion-rights groups for comment via email. U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) speaks on the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act at the U.S. Capitol on January 25, 2023 in Washington, DC. U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) speaks on the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act at the U.S. Capitol on January 25, 2023 in Washington, Context Florida's ban took effect on May 1, 2024, making abortions illegal after six weeks with narrow exceptions. The penalties for those who violate the ban are steep, punishable by up to five years in prison, fines of up to $5,000 and loss of medical licenses. The law did not ban treatment of ectopic pregnancies, which occur when a fetus implants outside of the uterus and has no room to grow. If not treated, such pregnancies can rupture, causing organ damage, hemorrhaging or even death. A report from the nonprofit Physicians for Human Rights in September 2024 said the ban created an "unworkable legal landscape" and that doctors had reported that ER staff were afraid to provide methotrexate to patients as it was an "abortive agent." The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration then issued guidance to address what it called "misinformation" about the state's abortion law, stating that abortion is permissible at any state of pregnancy in Florida to save the life and health of the mother, including in cases of ectopic or molar pregnancies and when there is premature rupture of membranes. What To Know Cammack, an abortion opponent who co-chairs of the House Pro-Life Caucus, supports exceptions for reported cases of rape and incest in the first trimester and in cases in which the mother's life is at risk, the Journal reported. She told the newspaper that she did not blame the Florida law for what she experienced. Rather, she lay the blame on messaging from abortion-rights advocates, which she said made hospital staff afraid of giving drugs even in circumstances where it was legal. "It was absolute fearmongering at its worst," Cammack, who is pregnant again, said. But she added that she knows that abortion rights advocates might view her experience differently. "There will be some comments like, 'Well, thank God we have abortion services,' even though what I went through wasn't an abortion," she said. What People Are Saying Molly Duane, senior attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, told the Wall Street Journal that although Florida regulators say ectopic pregnancies are exempt from restrictions, the law does not define ectopic pregnancy and it can be difficult for doctors to tell where an embryo has implanted. She said blaming medical professionals echoes the "playbook of antiabortion extremists that for decades have been blaming and villainizing doctors." Alison Haddock, the president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, told the Journal that it is common for doctors in states that have restriction access to abortion to be concerned about "whether their clinical judgment will stand should there be any prosecution." What's Next Cammack, who is expecting her first child in August, said she hoped sharing her story helps those on opposing sides find common ground. "I would stand with any woman—Republican or Democrat—and fight for them to be able to get care in a situation where they are experiencing a miscarriage and an ectopic" pregnancy, she said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
What is an ectopic pregnancy? GOP Rep. Kat Cammack's case raises questions about Florida's abortion law
Republican Representative Kat Cammack recently opened up about a life-threatening medical emergency she faced last year that underscored the confusion surrounding Florida's newly enforced six-week abortion law. Cammack, who is vocally anti-abortion and co-chairs the House Pro-Life Caucus, was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy—a nonviable and dangerous condition. Despite the clinical urgency, her treatment was delayed as hospital staff hesitated, uncertain about the legal implications of administering a drug commonly used in such cases. Eventually doctors gave her a dose of methotrexate—a medication that halts the growth of embryonic cells—after Cammack herself looked up state statutes and attempted to contact the governor's office. Florida's abortion law took effect on May 1, 2024 and prohibits most abortions after six weeks. However, it allows exceptions when the pregnant person's life is in danger. Still, the ambiguity surrounding the law left providers fearful of prosecution. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Cammack blamed 'fearmongering' by pro-abortion rights groups for creating panic among providers. Yet, she acknowledged that those on the other side may see her ordeal as evidence that strict laws are preventing timely medical care. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 경고: 이 게임 진짜 중독성 쩔어요. 지금 해봐! Hero Wars 플레이하기 Undo 'There will be some comments like, 'Well, thank God we have abortion services,' even though what I went through wasn't an abortion,' she said. Cammack's case draws renewed attention to a critical question: What is an ectopic pregnancy, and why does it require emergency treatment—not abortion care? Source: iStock Understanding ectopic pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube. Since these structures cannot expand like the uterus, they cannot support a developing pregnancy. Unlike typical pregnancies, an ectopic pregnancy cannot result in a live birth and is nonviable from the start. Medical treatment, such as an injection of methotrexate or surgical intervention, is essential to prevent life-threatening complications. This is not considered an abortion in the legal or clinical sense, as the intent is to treat a failed pregnancy and preserve the patient's health—not to terminate a viable one. Symptoms and warning signs to watch for In the early stages, symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may resemble a normal pregnancy, including missed periods and mild discomfort. However, as the condition progresses, more alarming symptoms may develop, such as: Vaginal bleeding Sharp or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain Dizziness, weakness, or fainting Shoulder pain or rectal pressure (in cases of internal bleeding) If a fallopian tube ruptures, the individual may experience a sudden, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen. Such a situation qualifies as a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Why ectopic pregnancies must be treated quickly Roughly 2% of all pregnancies are ectopic, and while rare, they are among the leading causes of maternal death in early pregnancy. A uterus is designed to stretch and nourish a growing fetus; fallopian tubes are not. If left untreated, the growing tissue can rupture the tube, causing catastrophic internal bleeding. The treatment—either through medication like methotrexate or surgical removal—does not fall under elective abortion procedures. It is classified as emergency care necessary to preserve life. Florida's health agency has since issued clarifying guidance, stating that terminating a pregnancy to protect the patient's life remains legal. Cammack has said she went public with her story in hopes of reducing confusion and encouraging clearer communication between political groups. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
What is an ectopic pregnancy? GOP rep's scare sparks Florida law debate
Florida Republican Congresswoman Kat Cammack says fear caused by abortion-rights groups delayed the medical care she needed during a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy in May 2024. Doctors at the emergency room told Cammack she was about five weeks pregnant, but the pregnancy was ectopic and posed a serious risk to her life.(Bloomberg) Doctors at the emergency room told Cammack she was about five weeks pregnant, but the pregnancy was ectopic and posed a serious risk to her life. There was no heartbeat. Medical staff said she needed a shot of methotrexate to end the pregnancy, but since Florida's six-week abortion ban had just taken effect, they hesitated. They were afraid they could lose their licenses or face criminal charges. Cammack says she pulled up the law on her phone to show the staff that her situation was not illegal under state rules. She even tried to contact the governor's office. After several hours, doctors gave her the medication, as per The Guardian report. Also Read: USAID families have their lives upended by Trump move to shut agency Cammack, who is anti-abortion and co-chairs the House Pro-Life Caucus, told the Wall Street Journal she blames abortion-rights advocates for the delay. She says they have created fear around laws like Florida's, even though treatment for ectopic pregnancies is legal. 'It was absolute fearmongering at its worst,' Cammack said. She added that abortion rights groups would likely view her story differently and blame the laws, not the messaging. 'There will be some comments like, 'Well, thank God we have abortion services,' even though what I went through wasn't an abortion,' she told the paper. Florida's abortion law, which went into effect May 1, 2024, bans abortions after six weeks—before many people know they're pregnant. For months, doctors said the wording of the law left them unsure whether emergency treatments were allowed. In response, the state's health agency released guidance clarifying that care is legal if the pregnant person's life or health is in danger. Cammack says she wants to help both sides find some agreement Now pregnant again and due soon, Cammack says she wants to help both sides find some agreement. 'I would stand with any woman – Republican or Democrat – and fight for them to be able to get care in a situation where they are experiencing a miscarriage and an ectopic' pregnancy, she said. Ectopic pregnancies aren't abortions Abortion rights advocates say the law itself creates confusion. Florida health officials say ectopic pregnancies aren't abortions and are exempt from restrictions. But Molly Duane from the Center for Reproductive Rights told the Journal the law doesn't clearly define ectopic pregnancies, and those can be hard to diagnose. Alison Haddock, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said early pregnancy care is 'medically complicated' and that doctors in abortion-restricted states worry 'whether their clinical judgment will stand should there be any prosecution.'
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Florida abortion law confusion: GOP rep says hospital delayed ectopic pregnancy care; blames fearmongering, not policy
Florida Republican Congresswoman Kat Cammack has said that fear surrounding the state's strict abortion laws delayed her emergency treatment for an ectopic pregnancy last year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Cammack said hospital staff were initially reluctant to administer methotrexate, a drug used to terminate ectopic pregnancies, over concerns they could face legal repercussions. In May 2024, Kat Cammack sought emergency care when she was five weeks into a nonviable ectopic pregnancy that posed a serious threat to her life. Medical personnel hesitated to treat her following the enactment of Florida's six-week abortion ban on May 1. Cammack said she attempted to clarify the law herself by looking it up on her phone and contacting the governor's office. Doctors ultimately administered the medicine after several hours. Although she co-chairs the House pro-life caucus and opposes abortion, Cammack criticised what she described as 'fearmongering' from abortion rights groups, arguing that it contributed to the uncertainty among healthcare providers. She acknowledged that critics might attribute the delay to Republican-led abortion restrictions but maintained that her experience did not constitute an abortion under Florida law. Florida's six-week abortion ban prohibits most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, a point at which many individuals may not yet be aware they are pregnant. State health officials later issued guidance affirming that abortions are permitted when a pregnant person's life or health is at risk. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The law's wording had caused confusion in medical settings during the initial months of enforcement. Activists and physicians have voiced concerns over the law. Molly Duane of the center for reproductive rights noted that the law does not explicitly define ectopic pregnancy, a condition that can be challenging to diagnose. Alison Haddock, president of the American college of emergency physicians, told The Wall Street Journal that early pregnancy care is "medically complicated" and that doctors worry their clinical decisions could be subject to prosecution. Cammack hoped that going public with her experience would help opposing political groups find common ground. Now in the final stages of a subsequent pregnancy, Cammack said the politics of the incident has had a lasting impact on her. 'I would stand with any woman – Republican or Democrat – and fight for them to be able to get care in a situation where they are experiencing a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy,' she said.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Who is Rep. Kat Cammack? Pro-life supporter sheds light on deadly pregnancy and Florida's abortion law
Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack , a staunch anti-abortion Republican and co-chair of the House pro-life caucus , is speaking out about a harrowing ordeal during her pregnancy last year—a personal crisis that has sparked new debate over the real-world impact of restrictive abortion laws, even on their supporters. In May 2024, Cammack, who represents Florida's 3rd congressional district, was rushed to the emergency room after learning her pregnancy was ectopic, a life-threatening condition in which the embryo cannot survive and the mother's life is at serious risk. At the time, Florida's six-week abortion ban had just taken effect. Cammack urgently needed a dose of methotrexate, a medication used to end ectopic pregnancies, but hospital staff hesitated. Doctors and nurses, she said, feared prosecution or loss of their medical licenses if they administered the drug, even though her life was in danger and the pregnancy was nonviable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo Cammack described pleading her case, showing hospital staff the state law on her phone and even attempting to contact the governor's office for clarification—without success. 'It was absolute fearmongering at its worst,' she told The Wall Street Journal, emphasizing that what she experienced was not an abortion but a medically necessary intervention to save her life. After several tense hours, she finally received the medication she needed. Cammack, who recently announced she is expecting her first child in August, shared her story publicly to highlight the unintended consequences of abortion restrictions. 'I would stand with any woman – Republican or Democrat – and fight for them to be able to get care in a situation where they are experiencing a miscarriage and an ectopic,' she said. Live Events Her experience underscores the legal confusion and risk-averse climate faced by healthcare providers under strict abortion laws, which can delay or complicate emergency care even for those who support such measures. Cammack's ordeal is now fueling bipartisan calls for clearer guidelines and renewed focus on maternal health, as the U.S. continues to grapple with some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world.
