Minneapolis woman shares her personal experience with abortion at 19 weeks pregnant

At 19 weeks pregnant, Minneapolis resident Emily Richter received the devastating news that her unborn daughter was diagnosed with a serious birth defect called anencephaly. Babies with this condition are likely to be stillborn or die shortly after death, as well as pose a risk of death for the birthing mother. Richter terminated the pregnancy and advocates for maintaining this form of care. Kate Raddatz has more.

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[laurenunderwood]

This is so sad. I am 19 weeks along with my baby girl. Can’t imagine losing her. Just had my anomaly scan and they told me she is perfect!! Praying for a healthy pregnancy and delivery!!!

[annecohen]

This is when abortion IS necessary. Both when the mother and the fetus that has a life threatening condition that cannot be corrected nor saved even by medical standards, then the abortion is necessary to help save the life of the woman even if the developing fetus can’t be saved and must be terminated.

[trueNAMO]

In this case. I ONLY agree with it. Sorry for your baby.

[kittenmittens]

Thank you for sharing this story. What a heartbreaking situation. Both parents were clearly so excited to have this baby. I see a lot of comments where people seem to just ignore the whole "amniotic fluid became septic". This was NOT a straightforward case of just anencephaly. There were multiple complications. A lot of people here keep saying, why not just carry to term? Again, S-E-P-S-I-S in the womb.

[Elizabeth-lzxu]

Proudly 18 weeks with my miracle girl and my rainbow baby. She was diagnosed with TS monosomy X at 11 weeks and they suggested termination, said we wouldn’t make it out of the first trimester. Because of her hydrops I am at risk of mirror syndrome but I’m not going to give up on her. If you don’t believe in your kids who will?

[chancegarrison]

How long did it took for her body to recover from a second trimester abortion?

[sunnyday]

Emily, thank you so much for sharing your story. Experiences like yours need to be told. Good to know you and your family are healthy and happy. Love the picture of your beautiful family. 💕🌻

[jasonwilliamson]

My son was diagnosed with this and my wife also has multiple sclerosis. My wife is doing just fine and my son graduates from highschool next year.

[ninab]

This is so sad but she had to do what she had to do 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[taylorbug]

No one aborts that late because they just feel like it. Most people have very good reasons for seeking an abortion no matter when they're seeking it.

[logosmaxima]

Medically life threatening is the only reason that could sway me to consider abortion.

[Me-hfii]

Ok now tell the story of the 9, 000 other abortions at her stage of pregnancy that were done because mom just didn’t want the baby… and talk about WHAT happens to the baby in those elective procedures… talking about a septic pregnancy like that is why even 1% of abortions happen is so disingenuous.

Also - there’s no prolife practitioner that wouldn’t deliver a baby who’s in a septic pregnancy - even if that baby is unlikely to survive outside the womb. It’s about saving the MOST lives possible and showing all respect and care to BOTH patients.

[stargazer]

I went to church with a woman who had a son with this. He is challenged but is in his twenties. my mother was a given a choice to abort me as they knew something was wrong and she did not. She was told I would survive the first year and would never walk. I did both. I am not trying to judge her but there also amazing stories out there of people on the other side of the topic as well and I wanted to share that.

[soniaherrera]

She didn't want to deal with it clearly.

[josiahkaiser]

This is a great story and all but the flip side is the many stories of mothers who still had their child after these types of diagnosis and had healthy babies. There is a narrative that any defect makes a child less worthy of love, and yes, some of these conditions are deadly for the mother and/or child but the number of misdiagnosis should make people think twice.

[jessicamunnia]

She could’ve carried the baby a few more weeks and been induced for her own life saving care instead of murdering the child. At least the baby would’ve been given a chance and could’ve experienced love.

[sugar-free-centz]

A woman should always have the absolute right to choose how her body is used, what it is used for, and when it is used. Prenatal testing should be mandatory, and any person who is selfish enough to bring a prenatally-diagnosed, disabled child into the world should be independently responsible for shouldering the cost of that medically compromised person for life, because society and other more responsible and humane citizens shouldn't have to pay for the selfish and gross actions of people who insist on keeping a disabled pregnancy.

[johnpatmos]

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”
-Luke 1:41-42 KJV

[FourHundredTwenty]

A family member works as a nurse. They schedule stillborn termination. Believe me, both mom and nurse are exhausted after. My family member is the few that sign on and will come in early to support as others are unwilling. They don't violate HIPPA but would say, "another sad day." but I put together that they delivered a dead baby. They wanted the baby out. They couldn't stand hearing, "boy or girl? when are you due?"

[mombradshaw]

Maybe an early induction, but the actual abortion procedure.... absolutely not...and yes, i do have very much room to talk.