A healthy baby girl was delivered today at Jackson Women's Health Organization, the only abortion clinic in Mississippi. The young woman came to the clinic for a screening exam and delivered in the clinic with the assist of the doctor and staff. She and the baby were transported to the hospital in good condition.

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According to clinic owner and my friend Diane Derzis, “We are glad we were able to assist this young woman and her child. It’s tragic though that she and so many other women feel so hopeless that they don’t even know they are that far pregnant. This is a direct result of the Mississippi legislature trying so desperately to outlaw abortion while ignoring the health of pregnant women.”

So, how could this happen? Many young women don’t even know the signs of pregnancy. Or, they so want not to be pregnant and disappoint their parents that they hide the obvious signs of pregnancy by wearing loose clothes, faking their periods, or even making up other reasons for morning sickness. Oftentimes healthcare is either not available or not affordable. Mississippi is usually ranked lowest in the country when it comes to services and help for pregnant women. This lack of access to pre-natal care and education can often be tragic.

By policy, the clinic only performs abortions up to 16 weeks. The Mississippi legislature just passed a law mandating that clinics can only go up to 15 weeks. That bill is blocked by a TRO until at least October. Next thing you know, they will ban women from having abortions in places other than hospitals.

We are expecting the anti-abortionists to decry this event, but the clinic doctor and staff are heroes. Women deliver all the time in cabs, apartment lobbies, and other non-hospital settings. This young woman was lucky she had experienced medical professionals to care for her.

Abortion clinics are made up of truly compassionate and trained medical professionals. We applaud this clinic staff for rising to the occasion.

NOTE: The Jackson Women’s Health Organization is under attack constantly. Help them by donating here: The Pink House Fund