In a devastating case,  Amber Nicole Thurman, a healthy, 28-year-old mother who passed away from preventable causes in Georgia as a direct result of Georgia’s abortion ban. The reproductive health procedure she needed had been declared a felony in her state, with few exceptions and up to ten years in prison as retribution for providers. Because of uncertainty around the law and severity of the punishment, doctors waited 20 hours to finally perform the operation. It was too late. 

Amber’s death is not an isolated incident. Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, states with abortion bans like Georgia have seen maternal death rates triple. These laws, written with vague non-medical language, are not only unclear but also carry severe penalties for healthcare providers who attempt to follow them. As a result, doctors are left in limbo, fearful of legal repercussions, and patients are being denied the care they are legally entitled to—often with tragic results.

At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are committed to ensuring that this cycle of preventable tragedies ends.

Our Path Forward in Georgia—and Beyond

In response to these dangerous laws, our Reproductive Rights and Health Equity Program is working with healthcare providers, hospital administrators, and partner organizations in Georgia to develop Comprehensive Hospital Protocols. These protocols will give clear, legally sound guidance to reproductive care providers, allowing them to offer the best possible care while staying within the bounds of restrictive laws. While we continue to fight to overturn abortion bans nationwide, this critical work is a necessary step in minimizing harm and preventing further loss of life.

These hospital protocols will empower doctors and healthcare providers to make informed decisions, ensuring that no other patient suffers the same fate as Amber. The reality is that these abortion bans should not exist, but while they do, we must take every action possible to save lives and mitigate the damage caused by these laws.

The Time to Act Is Now

We cannot afford to wait as more lives are put at risk. The work we are beginning in Georgia is only the start—our goal is to expand these life-saving efforts to other states with similarly restrictive abortion laws. By providing hospitals and healthcare providers with clear legal guidance, we can ensure that patients receive the care they need when they need it most.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Your donation to L4GG will allow us to continue this life-saving work in Georgia and beyond.

• Learn More: Read about our model hospital protocols, our 50-state Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Rights, and our fight for equitable healthcare access.

At L4GG, we believe that no one should lose their life due to fear or uncertainty in the healthcare system. With your help, we can protect patients and ensure that healthcare providers have the tools and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.