Denied Ectopic Care, Woman Loses Fertility in Illinois

Harmonie Perrone, 28, alleges she was denied life-saving treatment for an ectopic pregnancy twice in Illinois, a state known for protecting reproductive rights. The initial hospital, Advocate Good Shepherd, performed ultrasounds detecting a mass but did not provide the standard medication, methotrexate. Perrone was then sent home and later denied care at a med spa by Dr. Dympna Coll, who reportedly invoked a discussion of the 'life of the mother and the baby.'

After over 24 hours seeking care, Perrone finally received methotrexate at a second hospital. Tragically, she later required surgery due to a rupturing fallopian tube, resulting in the loss of her fertility. Her lawsuit claims violations of the Illinois Hospital Emergency Service Act and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (Emtala). Following her public sharing of the experience on TikTok, Dr. Coll reportedly filed a defamation lawsuit against Perrone.

This situation has raised concerns that religiously affiliated hospitals may be imposing de facto bans on abortion-related care, even in emergency situations. Advocates emphasize that emergency care, including for ectopic pregnancies, is legally protected in Illinois. Perrone's case underscores the fear that such incidents could deter individuals from seeking essential medical attention.