Article Summary –
Gracie Ladd faced a difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy at 18 weeks due to severe fetal abnormalities, but encountered significant barriers in Wisconsin, including legal restrictions and insurance coverage issues, ultimately seeking an abortion in Chicago. The 1849 Wisconsin abortion law, which was temporarily reinstated after Roe v. Wade was overturned, complicates access by imposing legal risks and requirements, although a 2023 court ruling re-allowed abortions up to 20 weeks, pending a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision. Ladd’s experience underscores her belief in patient autonomy in medical decisions and the need to address financial and legal obstacles, as she advocates for reproductive rights after navigating a $34,000 medical bill and sharing her story publicly.
In October 2023, Gracie Ladd was thrilled to discover she was pregnant with her second child, a boy they planned to name Conner, after a “sneak peek test” revealed his gender.
However, at 18 weeks, a routine ultrasound showed Conner’s severe medical conditions: no bladder, cyst-covered kidneys, and tetralogy of Fallot, a serious heart defect, leading to the conclusion he wouldn’t survive long.
Ladd, an oncology nurse, shared, “It was a bleak picture,” during an interview with the Wisconsin Independent. A second opinion confirmed that terminating the pregnancy was her only choice.
Facing stringent Wisconsin abortion laws, including mandatory ultrasounds and waiting periods, Ladd felt apprehensive and sought an abortion outside the state.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that barriers like waiting periods and multiple visits pose serious risks, increasing the chance of complications significantly after 18 weeks.
Wisconsin Republicans backed an 1849 abortion law criminalizing providers unless necessary to save the mother’s life. This law was reinstated post-Roe v. Wade but recent rulings have created uncertainty as the Wisconsin Supreme Court deliberates.
In February 2024, Ladd traveled to Chicago for a surgical abortion. Though always pro-choice, her experience spurred her to speak out about her journey and the limited options available for non-viable pregnancies.
Insurance billed her $34,000, not covering abortion care. Her medical knowledge helped reduce costs to $7,000, yet she expressed concern about those without similar resources.
Ladd emphasized the importance of patient autonomy in reproductive health, arguing against lawmakers making personal medical decisions.
Her husband explored vasectomy options without issue, highlighting a disparity in reproductive healthcare conversations.
Four months ago, Ladd welcomed a healthy daughter, Madeline Lee, named after Rep. Barbara Lee, following Ladd’s testimony on Project 2025 at a House committee hearing.
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