Home / Health / Detained Woman's Health Crisis Ignites Lawmaker Outcry
Detained Woman's Health Crisis Ignites Lawmaker Outcry
23 Apr
Summary
- Lawmakers demand release of woman with large ovarian cyst.
- Asylum seeker arrested Feb. 5, facing urgent surgery delay.
- Detained woman reports pain and forced activity despite condition.
State lawmakers in Minnesota are advocating for the humanitarian release of Andrea Pedro-Francisco, a 23-year-old woman detained in El Paso, Texas. Pedro-Francisco, who sought asylum in Minnesota with her mother in 2019, was arrested on February 5th. She is currently being held in detention and faces a medical emergency due to a tennis ball-sized ovarian cyst.
Senator Alice Mann, an ER physician, emphasized the critical nature of the cyst, explaining it poses risks of ovarian torsion, infertility, infection, and even death if untreated. Pedro-Francisco reported being forced to climb to a third-level bunk despite severe pain radiating from her abdomen and back. Her planned surgery was reportedly scheduled for just days after her apprehension.
Concerns over medical care in ICE detention facilities have been raised by other officials, including Congresswoman Angie Craig, who is tracking numerous medical cases with improper care. A DHS spokesperson has been contacted for comment regarding Pedro-Francisco's situation.
