Local News Anchor's Harrowing Preeclampsia Survival Story Spurs Hospital Policy Change

In a significant move to address the growing threat of preeclampsia, a potentially deadly pregnancy complication, many hospitals are now recommending that all of their pregnant patients take low-dose aspirin. This policy shift comes as studies have shown that too many doctors fail to follow existing guidelines for preventing preeclampsia.

The March of Dimes, a leading maternal and infant health organization, has essentially endorsed this approach, stating that it may be "medically reasonable" for some medical practices to offer the preventative drug to all of their pregnant patients. Experts say this could pave the way for more widespread adoption of the recommendation, much like prenatal vitamins are already standard practice.

Preeclampsia, which affects about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S., is a leading cause of death among mothers and babies. Rates of the disease have climbed 25% in the last two decades, and certain groups, including Black mothers and women with high-risk conditions, are at an even greater risk.

The new guidelines come after a harrowing ordeal experienced by a local news anchor, Angela Jones, who suddenly developed seizures and had to undergo an emergency C-section just weeks before her due date. Jones, who fit several high-risk criteria, was never informed about the potential benefits of taking low-dose aspirin during her pregnancy. Her story has helped spur this policy change, which experts believe could significantly decrease the rates of preeclampsia and save lives.