Texas Hospitals Deny Miscarriage Care Amid Abortion Ban

A woman in Texas is suing two hospitals, alleging they denied her necessary medical treatment during a miscarriage due to the state's stringent abortion ban. Lynn Callaway filed a federal complaint against St. David's Round Rock Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.

Callaway experienced severe pain and bleeding around seven weeks into her pregnancy in October 2025. After initial consultations, she was reportedly told by her OB-GYN's office that they "could not" offer a D&C or medication due to her high hCG levels, advising her to seek emergency care if symptoms worsened.

At Baylor Scott & White, a physician confirmed a miscarriage but allegedly told Callaway to wait for it to pass naturally, dismissing her concerns about bleeding out. Her condition deteriorated, and despite abnormal test results, she was told her situation was "not necessarily life or limb threatening."

She later sought care at St. David's Round Rock, where she was diagnosed with an infection and discharged with antibiotics. Callaway continued to suffer and eventually received stronger antibiotics and treatment for retained fetal tissue. She expressed distress that proper care was delayed for days and multiple medical visits.

The complaint alleges that both hospitals violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) by failing to provide stabilizing treatment. The strict Texas abortion law mandates that procedures are only permissible if the mother's life is at risk, leading to fears among medical professionals about performing necessary interventions even in miscarriage cases.

Callaway was later diagnosed with PTSD following the ordeal. Hospitals involved have stated they are reviewing the complaint and operate in compliance with state and federal laws, emphasizing that medical decisions are guided by physician judgment and legal requirements. She advocates for improved care for women facing pregnancy complications.