Caitlin Draper's pregnancy is not viable and potentially endangers her life.
- The Fayetteville Democratic nominee for the state's 3rd Congressional District said it's not clear if she can abort the pregnancy under Arkansas law.
Why it matters: Draper's situation highlights concerns that lack of explicit definitions and legal precedent, combined with a patchwork of state laws, could result in inadequate care that leaves women unable to have another pregnancy, or even death.
Driving the news: "The doctor's response was, 'You should be OK [to have the procedure],'" Draper said — a gray area in which she's not comfortable resting her life.
State of play: Arkansas law currently bans abortion in all cases except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency.
- There are no exceptions for rape or incest.
- Yes, but: The law carves out acts to save the life or preserve the health of an unborn child, removal of a dead unborn child and removal of an ectopic pregnancy by not defining them as an abortion.
Doctors performing an abortion could be fined up to $100,000, face 10 years in prison or both.
Context: Draper and her husband started in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments about three years ago, she told Axios.
What she's saying: Draper decided to speak publicly about her personal situation to draw attention to women's health care issues and how state law impacts those who want children.
- "I'm resourced; I'm married; I have insurance," Draper said Tuesday to a group in Eureka Springs.
- "I can travel to another state, but there are women that can't. So it feels horrible to live in a state where your life is at risk all the time. And I'm just desperately trying to have a baby."
What's next: If she doesn't miscarry by Friday, she'll return to her doctor and they'll make a plan, Draper said.
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