A judge has granted a new trial for Brooke Shoemaker, who was previously convicted of chemical endangerment resulting in the death of her unborn child and sentenced to 18 years in prison. The ruling, based on new evidence presented by Shoemaker’s attorneys, suggests that an infection, rather than drug use, was the cause of the stillbirth. The original conviction, stemming from a 2017 stillbirth and Shoemaker’s admission of methamphetamine use during pregnancy, is now being challenged with expert testimony indicating a genetic abnormality and severe infection contributed to the pregnancy loss. While prosecutors are appealing the decision, Shoemaker remains incarcerated and maintains her innocence, stating that an infection caused the loss of her pregnancy.
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The article highlights the tragic deaths of Porsha Ngumezi and Brenda Yolani Arzu Ramirez, both of whom died due to complications from pregnancy loss after facing delays in receiving crucial medical procedures. Medical experts reviewing the cases agreed that the delays in care, including not providing abortion procedures, contributed to their deaths. The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee has announced it is not investigating maternal deaths in 2022 and 2023, which has hindered the ability to assess the impact of the state’s abortion restrictions. Obstetricians believe that the fear of repercussions from abortion bans in Texas has influenced medical decision-making, potentially endangering other women.
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Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, after being detained by ICE and held at the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana, experienced the loss of her mid-term pregnancy after pleading for medical attention. The facility, which has a history of documented abuse, did not provide adequate care. Monterroso-Lemus was subsequently deported to Guatemala, while her partner, Gary Bivens, faced additional hardships. The article discusses the lack of transparency surrounding ICE detentions and the challenges faced by immigrants, highlighting the emotional and practical difficulties in this situation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker