Diagnosis and management of a ruptured 20-week anencephalic cornual ectopic pregnancy undergoing termination: implications of interstate travel due to restrictive abortion law

Int J Obstet Anesth. 2024 Feb:57:103932. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2023.103932. Epub 2023 Sep 29.

Abstract

In the changing legal environment of obstetric care in the USA, with laws in many states banning termination at all stages of pregnancy with narrow exemptions, healthcare providers are encountering cases in which risk to maternal safety is increased. This report presents a case of a 28-year-old primigravida with an anencephalic fetus who was legally unable to pursue termination in her home state. She traveled to another state in order to pursue safe and legal abortion of a non-viable fetus. Due to an unrecognized cornual ectopic gestation, the delivery resulted in uterine rupture, the need for hysterectomy, and significant morbidity in a patient with a strong desire for future fertility.

Keywords: Abortion, criminal; Abortion, legal; Anencephaly; Ectopic pregnancy; Maternal morbidity; Uterine rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Legal
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic* / surgery