Ashley and Kyle, a newlywed couple in early 2022, were overjoyed to be expecting their first child. However, Ashley experienced bleeding throughout her pregnancy, leading to a heartbreaking miscarriage at seven weeks.
Their loss came shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion, reigniting an old Wisconsin law from 1849 that restricted abortion care to situations where the pregnant woman’s life was at risk.
Navigating the patchwork of insurance coverage for abortion care in the U.S. proved to be a confusing and frustrating experience for Ashley. Due to the state’s abortion ban, she faced challenges accessing the care she needed during her miscarriage.
Following another pregnancy a year later, tragedy struck when Ashley experienced a previable PPROM, necessitating an abortion to save her life. Despite medical recommendations, her health insurer, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, initially refused coverage for the abortion procedure.
After a series of appeals, the insurer eventually paid the claim, highlighting the complexities and barriers faced by women seeking abortion care in the face of restrictive laws and insurance policies.
Ashley’s experience has strengthened her resolve to advocate for improved access to reproductive healthcare and highlight the impact of abortion restrictions on women’s health.
