A 34-year-old police officer, Ciji Graham, tragically died on November 19, 2023, after being denied urgent medical treatment for a heart condition exacerbated by her pregnancy. Graham, who lived in Greensboro, North Carolina, experienced severe heart complications but was unable to obtain timely care due to restrictive abortion laws in her state.
During an appointment with cardiologist Dr. Sabina Custovic on November 14, Graham’s heart rate soared to 192 beats per minute, a dangerously high level indicative of atrial fibrillation. Although doctors had successfully treated her condition in the past with a procedure called cardioversion, Custovic informed Graham that she could not proceed with the treatment because of her pregnancy. Instead, Graham was advised to consult three other specialists before returning to the clinic in a week.
Healthcare System Under Strain
The situation highlights a troubling trend in states with stringent abortion laws, where doctors may hesitate to provide standard care to high-risk pregnant patients. According to a report by ProPublica, many specialists feel that cardioversion, which is deemed safe during pregnancy by the Heart Rhythm Society, is often avoided due to fears of legal repercussions. A dozen cardiologists and maternal-fetal specialists who reviewed Graham’s case expressed concern over the decision to send her home without immediate intervention.
“I can’t think of any situation where I would feel comfortable sending anyone home with a heart rate of 192,” stated Dr. Jenna Skowronski, a cardiologist at the University of North Carolina.
Graham, who was also managing a thyroid disorder, believed that terminating her pregnancy was her best option to protect her health. However, the new abortion restrictions in North Carolina complicated her ability to find a provider willing to perform the procedure quickly. With the only abortion clinic in Greensboro, A Woman’s Choice, overwhelmed by patients from neighboring states, Graham faced a nearly two-week wait for an appointment.
A Tragic Outcome
On the morning of November 19, Graham’s boyfriend, Shawn Scott, discovered her unresponsive in their home. Despite attempts to revive her, Graham was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner later attributed her death to cardiac arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation related to her recent pregnancy.
This tragedy is not an isolated incident. ProPublica’s investigation has identified multiple cases where pregnant women have died after being unable to access standard medical care in states with restrictive abortion laws. Experts in maternal care believe that Graham’s death could have been prevented, citing multiple missed opportunities for intervention by healthcare providers.
The lack of comprehensive training for cardiologists in managing heart conditions during pregnancy has been pointed out as a significant issue. A survey by the American College of Cardiology found that less than 30% of cardiologists reported receiving adequate training in this area. The growing legal threats associated with abortion bans have further contributed to a culture of caution among healthcare providers.
As her family mourns the loss of a beloved daughter and mother, they reflect on the systemic failures that led to Graham’s untimely death. Her friend, Shameka Jackson, observed a noticeable change in Graham’s demeanor leading up to her death, describing her as weak and withdrawn. Graham’s son, SJ, now believes that his mother has gone to the “Mommy moon,” illustrating the profound impact of this loss on both her family and community.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the implications that restrictive healthcare policies can have on vulnerable patients. As states continue to grapple with abortion laws and women’s healthcare rights, the need for systemic reform and better training for medical professionals becomes increasingly urgent.
