'My womb becomes a tomb': South Carolina woman forced to carry dead fetus for weeks due to strict abortion laws
South Carolina
woman has gone public with her emotional and medical experience, alleging she was refused lifesaving medical care after suffering from fetal loss, as a result of the state's restrictive abortion law.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The woman, Elisabeth Weber, reports being required to carry a nonviable fetus for weeks, even though there was no heartbeat, because doctors were unwilling to deliver treatment within the limitations of the "heartbeat bill." Her experience illustrates how such legislation could accidentally delay necessary medical treatment for women with pregnancy loss.
South Carolina woman forced to carry fetus with no heartbeat for weeks
Elisabeth Weber, a 31-year-old mother of three from South Carolina, said that she was close to ten weeks pregnant when her doctor told her her fetus did not have a heartbeat anymore.
She went in right away and asked for a dilation and curettage (D&C), a procedure applied to extract fetal tissue from the uterus following miscarriage or abortion.
Even though the fetus was not viable, Weber was said to have been refused the procedure on the grounds that medical staff feared breaking the heartbeat law.
"My baby has been sitting inside me dead for three weeks already," Weber posted on an Instagram video.
"And now I have to wait another week knowing my baby is dead to do anything about it."
Poll
Do you believe current abortion laws adequately protect women's health?
No, they do not. Yes, they do.
South Carolina woman Weber complications suffered
Weber has Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a serious pregnancy complication that results in severe nausea and vomiting. While the fetus had ceased to grow, Weber's body still reacted as if she were pregnant, leading to ongoing illness and physical decline.
"My body wasn't realizing that I wasn't pregnant anymore. I was still totally bedridden with nausea, vomiting all the time," she explained.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"The baby hadn't developed at all. There is still no heartbeat. At that point, I was nearly 10 weeks pregnant."
Weber also complained of frustration at being questioned about whether her pregnancy was "wanted," implying that such questioning was directed at ascertaining the lawfulness of providing care, and not her healthcare needs.
Weber faces psychological trauma under strict abortion law
Weber has had deep-seated grief in the past, having lost her infant son in 2018 to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
She now has three daughters—Neveah, Story, and Finley. The psychological trauma of having a dead fetus, added to her background of loss and continued physical illness, has had a lasting effect.
'I can't believe that I'm being forced to carry around my dead baby. They know it's gone, they know it's dead, they know it's stopped developing. There's really no feeling like when your womb becomes a tomb,' she said.
Weber's viral account exposes the real-life harm of abortion bans gone too far
Weber's account has attracted nationwide attention, as reproductive rights advocates have pointed to her case as proof of the unintended damage of overly broad abortion bans.
Her account has spread widely on media like Instagram and TikTok, where she has chronicled her experience in real-time. Those against the heartbeat bill contend that instances like these portray a perilous intersection of medicine and politics under which legal confusion and fear of prosecution discourage doctors from making effective, life-sustaining medical decisions in time.
Medical workers, legal observers, and feminist groups have affirmed the necessity of clearer legislative terms that permit effective and humane care in miscarriages and fetal demise.
South Carolina's abortion law sparks debate over medical judgment and legal risk
South Carolina's "Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act," the so-called heartbeat bill, took effect in 2021. The act prohibits all but extremely rare abortions once fetal cardiac activity is identified, usually around six weeks into the pregnancy. Exceptions are provided, but only on a very tight basis, in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's life is threatened.
Yet, critics contend that the ambiguous language of the law and harsh legal sanctions have a chilling effect.
Healthcare providers might be reluctant to provide timely treatment in cases of miscarriage or fetal death because of fear of legal repercussions—even when fetal viability is no longer an issue.
Also Read |
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Fitness coach shares 7 moments when weighing yourself can make number on scale higher than what it actually is
Weight loss is a continuous journey, with milestones along the way toward your goal weight. Tracking your progress is a standard part of the process, which involves stepping on the scale from time to time. But hyperfixation on checking the weight may be counterproductive. Weight loss is often not linear, always. The fluctuations may freak you out more and demotivate you instead. It will make you undermine your own progress. So much like anything else on this weight loss journey, smart weight tracking is the way forward. Fitness coach Caitlin Wilson has revealed the worst times to step on a weighing scale. (Representative picture) ALSO READ: Do AI weight loss tips actually work? Doctor reviews and rates them out of 10 Fitness coach Caitlin Wilson, in a May 24 Instagram post, revealed the worst times to step on a weighing scale, explaining that the body naturally tends to hold onto weight during certain periods. 1. Monday morning Monday is the fresh start of the week with new plans, so it is not unusual to check in on your weight. But this may not be a good idea, as Caitlin reminded that the weekend binge on your comfort, guilty foods may show up on the scale. She highlighted that the extra carbs, salt, and drinks over the weekend cause water retention, hence making the numbers go up a bit. She added, 'You didn't gain body fat, you're just holding water and food. Give it a few days to settle.' 2. After eating a salty or high-carb meal 'After salty or high-carb meals, takeout, French fries, and pizza night, these meals cause your body to retain water. The scale might spike, but it's not fat. It's just temporary,' the fitness coach explained. The body has a tendency to temporarily retain weight, making the scale spike. 3. During period Periods bring the classic bloating and a feeling of heaviness, so minor weight changes can be a normal part of your cycle, as Caitlin elaborated, 'Your cycle naturally causes bloating and inflammation. Hormones are doing their thing, ignore the scale and be kind to yourself.' 4. Right after a big meal It is a no-brainer not to check weight immediately after a heavy meal. She wrote, "The scale reflects food still being digested, not body fat. Give it time.' 5. Late at night Despite late-night thoughts about weight loss and the sudden urge to work out or check the scale, don't, as the fitness coach reasoned, "Late at night after a full day of food, drinks, and movement, your weight is at its highest. Don't even look at the scale—it's not telling you anything helpful.' 6. After a workout The first thought might be to check in after your intense sweat session of strength training or cardio, but avoid this, too, as she noted, 'After a workout ,sweating, water intake, and muscle inflammation all impact the scale. What you see is fluid fluctuation, not fat changes." 7. Not regular in the bathroom Your faeces can affect the number on the scale, as the fitness coach pointed out, 'You can get on the scale at this time, but just know that the scale will likely be higher if you aren't going to the bathroom regularly ' So when is the right time to lose weight? The fitness coach shared that the best time to weigh yourself is in the morning, after using the bathroom and before eating or drinking. Midweek weigh-ins, like Tuesday or Friday, also help give an accurate reading. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Economic Times
10 hours ago
- Economic Times
Chia seeds in yogurt vs water: The ultimate comparison for maximum health benefit
Synopsis Chia seeds are a fiber-rich superfood often consumed in water, but pairing them with yogurt enhances their health benefits. According to Dr Karan Rajan, the protein, fat, and probiotics in yogurt improve nutrient absorption, support gut health, and help balance blood sugar. Yogurt also adds calcium, B vitamins, and potassium, making the combination more nutrient-dense and versatile than chia water alone. Yogurt or Water: Which Boosts Chia Seeds' Benefits More? Chia seeds have become a staple in many health-conscious diets, praised for their high fiber content, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. People often consume them soaked in water or sprinkled over meals, but recent some experts suggest that the medium in which chia seeds are consumed can significantly influence their health benefits. Choosing between water and yogurt as a base may seem simple, but the impact on digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall wellness is Karan Rajan shared on Instagram that combining chia seeds with yogurt enhances their effectiveness compared to water alone. He explains that the protein, fat, and probiotics in yogurt slow how the seeds hydrate and release fiber. This delayed fermentation in the colon produces a more balanced profile of short-chain fatty acids, improves omega-3 absorption, and adds synergistic benefits from yogurt's live cultures and bioactive peptides. Chia seeds provide around 10 grams of fiber per two tablespoons, which helps regulate blood sugar and promote satiety. When paired with protein-rich yogurt, this combination keeps hunger at bay, supports muscle repair, and provides sustained energy instead of quick sugar spikes. Chia seeds in water only supply fiber, lacking the protein component that enhances these benefits. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Karan Rajan (@drkaranrajan) Yogurt contributes calcium, potassium, and B vitamins, complementing the omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and antioxidants found in chia seeds. Together, they form a nutrient-dense snack or meal. Chia seeds act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, while yogurt adds probiotics, creating a synergistic effect that improves digestion, reduces bloating, and supports overall gut health. Chia water provides fiber but does not deliver the probiotic those monitoring blood sugar levels, the combination of chia and yogurt is particularly helpful. Protein, healthy fats, and fiber slow digestion, allowing glucose to enter the bloodstream gradually. Chia seeds in water, while still fibrous, do not offer this blood-sugar-balancing benefit. Yogurt and chia seeds can be enjoyed in multiple ways, including overnight pudding, layered parfaits with fruits and granola, smoothies, or frozen yogurt pops. Chia water remains a simpler option with less versatility. A basic mix includes: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative) 1 tablespoon chia seeds Optional sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for a pudding-like texture. Harvard Medical School highlights that chia seeds can support blood pressure reduction, cholesterol management, digestive health, weight management, inflammation reduction, diabetes control, chronic disease protection, and mental well-being. While chia seeds are nutritious in any form, pairing them with yogurt maximizes protein intake, gut benefits, nutrient absorption, and versatility, making it a superior choice for overall health.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
She eats 2 kg food daily but can still lose fat: Nutritionist shares calorie deficit tips for weight loss
Many people associate weight loss with eating tiny portions, but nutritionist Mari Nunes is challenging that idea. She recently shared how she manages to eat around two kilograms of food every day while still losing fat. Her approach focuses on choosing the right foods to stay in a calorie deficit, proving that it's possible to enjoy big plates without gaining weight. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency Eating Big Plates Without Gaining Weight In her Instagram post, Mari explained that she consumes large volumes of food but keeps calories low. 'I eat two kilos of food per day in a calorie deficit, which means I'm eating a small number of calories with a lot of food volume,' she said. She added that she prefers to chew and enjoy her meals, describing herself as always having the biggest plate in her family. Mari encouraged focusing on foods that allow you to eat more while still staying within your calorie limit. Mari highlighted that two kilograms of food can range from 1,000 to 10,000 calories depending on the choice of food. 'The problem is not the amount of food you eat, it's the calories,' she noted, emphasizing the importance of selecting foods that provide volume but remain low in calories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mari Nunes | Nutrition & Exercise (@marinunesnutrition) Practical Food Choices In her post's caption, Mari shared examples of high-volume, low-calorie foods that can help people feel full without exceeding their calorie targets: Fruits: Strawberries, melons, watermelons, kiwis, cherries Meats: Shrimp, tilapia or other white fish, chicken breast, sardines, tuna Carbs: Beans, cold potatoes, sweet potatoes, lentils, peas, pumpkin, squash Extras: Fat-free cottage cheese, fat-free Greek yogurt, low-calorie ice creams, vegetables, pickles, hearts of palm, egg whites, popcorn, konjac or palmini pasta, zero-calorie gelatin According to her, these foods are low in calorie density, allowing larger portions while still helping achieve a calorie deficit. Mari's method shows that weight loss doesn't require tiny portions. By choosing high-volume, low-calorie foods, people can enjoy larger servings and stay satisfied, making it easier to stick to calorie goals and maintain fat loss.
