Earlier this week, we noted the dissonance between one medical condition (an ectopic pregnancy) and PA State Senator (and now GOP candidate for PA Gov) Doug Mastriano's threatened complete abortion ban.
Today, we note another - placental abruption:
Placental abruption is a condition during pregnancy when the placenta separates from the uterus. Symptoms can include bleeding and abdominal pain, especially during the third trimester. A healthcare provider will diagnose and treat a placental abruption based on the severity of the separation and gestational age of the baby.
Again, I'm sticking very close to the medical professionals as I have absolutely no medical expertise myself. I'm letting the medical experts plead their case.
The Cleveland Clinic has more on placental abruption:
Placental abruption is a complication of pregnancy that happens when the placenta separates from your uterus before your baby is born. The placenta is a temporary organ that connects a growing baby to your uterus during pregnancy. It attaches to the wall of your uterus, usually on the top or side and acts as a lifeline that gives nutrients and oxygen to your baby through the umbilical cord. The placenta also removes waste from your baby’s blood.
In placental abruption, the placenta may completely detach or partially detach. This can decrease the amount of oxygen and nutrients to your baby and cause heavy bleeding in the mother. Placental abruption is a serious condition that requires medical treatment.
The Mayo Clinic posts:
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta partly or completely separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. This can decrease or block the baby's supply of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother.
Placental abruption often happens suddenly. Left untreated, it endangers both the mother and the baby.
And then finally this from the NIH:
Placental abruption is a life-threatening disorder for both the mother and the fetus. If the bleeding is not arrested, then the lives of the mother and fetus are in jeopardy. If there is complete separation or near separation of the placenta, death is inevitable, unless an immediate cesarean section is performed. Fetal mortality rates of 1-40% have been reported, but this also depends on the age of the fetus and the extent of separation. Each year in the US, about 1 to 5% of maternal deaths are linked to placental abruption.
So sometimes, it seems, terminating a pregnancy may be necessary to protect the life of the mother who was diagnosed with a severe placental abruption.
And yet, there's this from the Post-Gazette:
Mr. Mastriano has boasted himself as a pro-life candidate. He previously sponsored legislation to ban abortions at six weeks in a pregnancy, and said he believes life begins at conception. He does not support any exception to this ban, including for life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest.
How many women will die in Pennsylvania if Doug Mastriano is governor?
This is not pro-life. This is utter cruelty.
