Texas Woman Shares Heartbreaking Experience Amid State’s Abortion Laws
A Texas mother faced a devastating diagnosis during her pregnancy, discovering at her 20-week ultrasound that her unborn daughter had anencephaly, a fatal birth defect that meant the baby would not survive outside the womb. Already a mother of four, Sam Casiano was shocked to learn about her pregnancy just months after giving birth to her youngest child, Louie.
Initially suspecting a urinary infection, Sam was surprised when a visit to her doctor revealed she was pregnant once again. Her husband Luis and their children, while surprised, were excited and began discussing potential names for the new baby.
During the 20-week ultrasound, an unsettling silence fell over the room as the technician examined the scan. A second technician was called in, who delivered the tragic news to Sam: “I’m sorry Mrs. Casiano, you’re having a girl but she has been diagnosed with anencephaly and it means that she’s incompatible with life.”
The diagnosis led Sam to quickly search for information on anencephaly, a condition where a baby is missing parts of the brain and skull, which is invariably fatal. Overwhelmed and distraught, she reached out to her husband, who could not comprehend the news at first.
“Our Daughter Was Going to Die”
Sam’s OB-GYN confirmed the diagnosis and explained that due to Texas’ strict abortion laws, Sam had no option but to continue the pregnancy. The abortion ban in Texas, which started with a 6-week ban in 2021 and expanded to a total ban from conception in 2022, left no room for exceptions even in cases of fatal fetal anomalies.
A Catholic upbringing meant Sam was unfamiliar with abortion, a term not mentioned in her household. However, faced with her daughter’s condition, she realized the profound impact of the state’s abortion laws on her life.
Sam considered leaving Texas to seek an abortion elsewhere, but logistical and financial constraints, coupled with family responsibilities, made it impossible. The family faced the heart-wrenching reality of continuing the pregnancy, knowing their daughter would not survive.
Over the next 12 weeks, Sam lived with the painful awareness of her baby’s condition. The experience was traumatic for her family, including her other children, who had to explain to others that their sister would not survive.
After Halo Was Born
Sam went into labor at 32 weeks. Her daughter, named Halo Hope, was born and lived for four hours. Sam described the agonizing experience as Halo struggled for breath, resembling a fish out of water. The use of morphine indicated Halo was in pain, a fact that tormented Sam.
A GoFundMe campaign, aided by charitable contributions, helped cover Halo’s funeral expenses. Halo’s brief life and tragic death left a lasting impact on her family.
“After I Lost Halo, the Mother in Me Decided That I Wanted to Roar”
Determined to share her story, Sam joined other women in a lawsuit challenging Texas’ abortion laws, represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights. The case, Zurawski v. Texas, sought to add exceptions to the abortion ban for medical emergencies.
During the trial, Sam shared her emotional testimony, which moved even the opposing lawyers to tears. Although the district court initially ruled in their favor, allowing doctors more discretion in providing abortion care, the state appealed to the Texas Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled against the plaintiffs.
The court’s decision devastated Sam, leading her to take permanent measures to prevent future pregnancies. The experience strained her marriage, resulting in separation from Luis, though they continue to co-parent their children.
Sam remains committed to advocating for reproductive rights, sharing her story at various events and with public figures like Kamala Harris. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and activism, urging others to consider the broader implications of restrictive abortion laws.
Sam and her family honor Halo’s memory by visiting her grave weekly, celebrating her “Freedom Day”—the day she was born and set free from her suffering. Through her advocacy, Sam hopes to give voice to her daughter and others affected by similar circumstances.
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