In an exception to the state’s restrictive abortion law, a Texas judge on Thursday granted permission for a woman to abort the abnormal fetus she has been carrying for 20 weeks.
Kate Cox’s unborn baby has been diagnosed with trisomy 18, a chromosomal disorder that almost universally results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or death within a year of birth. Also called Edwards’ syndrome, the condition causes a variety of abnormalities, affecting the skull, heart and other organs. Of those who make it to birth, less than 10% survive a year, and frequently have major intellectual impairments. Cox’s lawyers say she’s had to make four emergency room visits to address pain and discharge.
“It is not a matter of if I will have to say goodbye to my baby, but when,” said Cox in a statement. “I’m trying to do what is best for my baby and myself, but the state of Texas is making us both suffer.”
Her lawyers argued that an abortion is needed to protect Cox — who’s had two prior C-sections — from a dangerous birth that could damage her fertility. “Continuing the pregnancy…
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