Tragedy struck in Greensboro, North Carolina, when 34-year-old police officer Ciji Graham died on November 19, 2023, after experiencing severe heart complications linked to her pregnancy. Graham’s case highlights critical issues surrounding access to medical care for pregnant women with pre-existing health conditions and the ramifications of recent abortion restrictions in the state.
On November 14, 2023, Graham visited a cardiologist, where her heart rate soared to 192 beats per minute, indicative of atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to serious complications, including stroke and heart failure. Although previous treatments had successfully restored her heart rhythm, this time, her pregnancy status complicated the situation. The cardiologist informed Graham that she could not undergo a cardioversion procedure, which had been a standard treatment in her earlier episodes. Instead, she was advised to consult three other specialists and return the following week.
According to a report by ProPublica, specialists suggest that cardioversion is generally safe during pregnancy, yet Graham was sent home with her heart still racing. The failure to provide immediate care left her vulnerable, as she waited to navigate a complicated healthcare system increasingly hesitant to address pregnancy-related issues, particularly in light of stringent abortion laws.
Graham’s situation worsened as she attempted to manage her health while processing her unexpected pregnancy. Her symptoms included severe palpitations and difficulty breathing, which led her to believe that terminating her pregnancy was the best way to safeguard her health. Yet, new restrictions in North Carolina complicated her access to an abortion. With the state’s ban on abortion after 12 weeks, and a mandatory three-day waiting period for consultations, Graham faced a nearly two-week wait for the procedure.
Experts consulted by ProPublica were alarmed by Graham’s treatment. Dr. Jenna Skowronski, a cardiologist at the University of North Carolina, stated, “I can’t think of any situation where I would feel comfortable sending anyone home with a heart rate of 192.” This sentiment was echoed by several specialists who reviewed her case, all agreeing that Graham should have been admitted to a hospital for immediate care.
On November 19, Graham’s boyfriend, Shawn Scott, discovered her unresponsive in their home. The cause of death was later determined to be “cardiac arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation in the setting of recent pregnancy.” The lack of an autopsy left many questions unanswered regarding the specific complications that led to her death.
The repercussions of Graham’s death extend beyond personal tragedy, raising questions about systemic failures within the healthcare system. In areas with strict abortion laws, many pregnant women with complex medical needs find themselves in precarious situations, relying on limited resources and facing medical professionals unwilling to discuss abortion options.
Dr. Jessica Tarleton, an abortion provider, noted that many physicians are hesitant to discuss abortion, even when necessary for patient safety. This hesitation creates a dangerous environment where women like Graham are left to navigate their health issues without adequate support.
Graham’s case is not isolated; it represents a broader trend where pregnant women in states with restrictive abortion laws encounter difficulties accessing the necessary medical care. In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom have implemented systems that ensure comprehensive care for pregnant women with high-risk medical conditions, leading to significantly lower maternal mortality rates.
The healthcare challenges faced by Graham serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to safeguard the health of pregnant women. As her community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, the conversation surrounding healthcare access for pregnant women continues to gain momentum, highlighting the imperative for change.
