A Texas hospital sent Kyleigh Thurman home multiple times in February 2023 despite her nonviable, life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. This occurred after Texas enacted a strict abortion ban and amid federal guidance requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions for medical emergencies.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services investigated Ascension Seton Williamson and concluded the hospital violated federal law by failing to conduct an adequate medical screening and stabilizing treatment.
Thurman underwent partial removal of her reproductive organs following a ruptured fallopian tube, attributing the hospital’s inadequate care to state policies and legislative decisions.
The federal findings represent a rare enforcement against hospitals denying emergency abortions in Texas, raising concerns about ongoing patient risks under abortion restrictions.
