A Georgia Mother Died After Being Denied Abortion Care—Here’s How We’re Fighting Back

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.

L4GG Celebrates Anna Hori as Volunteer of the Month

We are excited to introduce Anna Hori as our July Volunteer of the Month! Anna’s exceptional dedication has been instrumental in supporting our mission.

Meet Anna, a Dedicated Volunteer Making a Difference

Anna began her journey with L4GG in late summer of 2022, during her first year at the University of Chicago Law School. Inspired by her interest in reproductive justice and the flexibility L4GG offered, she dedicated herself to volunteering with L4GG’s Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project, even as a busy law student. Anna shared: 

"I really appreciated L4GG's broad scope of work and their flexibility for volunteers, especially as a first-year law student.”

Her interest in reproductive justice and the opportunity to work asynchronously made volunteering with L4GG a perfect fit. Outside of her volunteer work and studies, Anna enjoys spending time with friends and family and values the balance that her volunteer work brings to life. 

Contributing to Meaningful Projects

One of Anna’s most significant projects involved monitoring news stories about reproductive health laws in Nebraska. Despite not knowing much about the state initially, she quickly became an expert, tracking the progression of state law and high-profile cases. Her work focused on the intersection of reproductive justice, privacy, and the criminal justice system, contributing to a deeper understanding of post-Dobbs America. 

“I also really loved that while the project was centered on reproductive justice, it incorporated a lot of different parts of the law. So a lot of my work was on the intersection between reproductive justice, privacy, and the criminal justice system.”

— Anna Hori

Anna’s efforts extended beyond individual tasks; she was part of a team that aimed to understand the broader implications of legal changes. Her work was not just an academic exercise, but a meaningful contribution to real-world issues. This research has been incorporated into the Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Health and Reproductive Health Digest, two critical tools maintained by L4GG and powered by volunteers like Anna to provide front-line reproductive healthcare providers with clarity around the laws in 56 states and US territories.

Balancing Law School and Volunteering

Balancing the demands of law school with volunteering is no small feat, yet Anna managed to do so with grace. She found that volunteering provided a refreshing change from her academic workload as she noted:

"It was a nice way to break up the reading and writing in law school. The asynchronous nature of the work allowed me to contribute more during lighter weeks." - Anna Hori

Advice for Future Volunteers

We asked Anna what advice she would give to other volunteers, and she emphasized the importance of getting involved and finding work that aligns with both your interests and schedule. She also suggested building a community among volunteers to enhance the experience and support each other. 

"Volunteering was a meaningful part of my law school experience. I learned a lot in a different way than in the classroom.” - Anna Hori 

Looking Ahead

As Anna prepares to enter her final year of law school, she continues to reflect on her volunteer experience with gratitude. 

"The training and support I received from L4GG were invaluable. I felt confident and knew who to contact if I needed help.”

Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are excited to see where her legal career takes her.

Thank You, Anna!

Thank you, Anna, for your outstanding contributions to L4GG. Your passion, dedication, and hard work have made a lasting impact, and we are proud to have you as part of our team. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing the amazing things you will accomplish.

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As we celebrate Anna Hori this month, we highlight her individual contributions and the broader impact of our volunteers who dedicate their expertise to significant causes. Anna's work with L4GG showcases the power of committed volunteers in effecting lasting change and building a better tomorrow.

1. If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!

2. If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!

L4GG: SCOTUS Majority Puts Access to Emergency Abortions Back on Shelf, Leaves Federal Supremacy Questions Unanswered

SCOTUS' Inaction on Idaho Abortion Law Exposes Judicial Avoidance, Endangers Health Protections

Washington, D.C. - Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG),  the nation’s largest community of attorneys committed to human rights and equal justice, finds the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse course on accepting Idaho’s petition for relief in Moyle v. United States absolutely necessary to restore Idahoans’ access to emergency healthcare in the short term, but woefully insufficient to protect the rights of millions of Americans under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). We call on the Court to use its authority to vindicate the supremacy of federal law over state abortion bans that restrict access to emergency care. The Court’s dismissal of the case as improvidently granted leaves pregnant people facing emergencies and the doctors who treat them in a precarious legal limbo and fails to contend with the very real harm created by the Court’s prior decision to allow Idaho to fully enforce its ban over EMTALA’s clear mandate. 

The Court's ruling returns the issue to the lower courts, allowing emergency abortions to resume in the state, but failing to provide an answer to the critical questions raised in the litigation. Although the decision did not affirmatively greenlight Idaho’s backwards interpretation of EMTALA, it also did not confirm the reality that federally mandated emergency healthcare should not be held hostage by state-level restrictions.

““The Court majority’s decision to wish away the conflict between state and federal law presented by Idaho’s abortion ban is a deeply unethical avoidance of judicial responsibility. This procedural dodge leaves essential, long-established health protections in limbo, which is far from a victory for those advocating for reproductive rights and maternal health equity.””

— Khadijah Silver (JD/MPH), L4GG’s Supervising Attorney for Civil Rights

““While the Court’s decision today does not take the extraordinary step of expressly allowing a draconian state abortion ban to override clear federal law, it is far from the vindication of the rights of pregnant people that is needed to safeguard access to critical life-saving emergency abortion care. The Court’s refusal to use its authority to reject states’ attempts to curtail basic liberties is not a victory but an abdication of judicial responsibility.””

— Alyssa Morrison, L4GG’s Staff Attorney for Reproductive Justice

Legal Basis and Broader Implications:

Today’s decision is neither for nor against Idaho. Instead, the Court removed the stay of the District Court’s opinion that it previously put into place and decided it should never have heard the case in the first place. The removal of this stay will allow emergency abortions to resume in the state, but it cannot remedy the very real harm created by its imposition in the first place. The Court’s decision to dismiss the case back to the lower courts also does not answer the critically important question of whether a state can turn well-established principles of preemption on their head and impose its own draconian abortion restrictions over the federally mandated provision of emergency healthcare. As long as this question remains unresolved, the rights of pregnant people continue to hang in the balance.

Response and Action Plan:

Shortly after the end of the court session, Lawyers for Good Government will host a “SCOTUS Wrapped” event to discuss the implications of the Court’s actions in Moyle and other crucial cases - we invite you to subscribe to get updates and stay informed.

We will also continue to work with healthcare providers and legal advocates to protect patients' rights nationwide. One way we support our partners is through our Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Health, a vital, constantly updated tool for patients and providers to find legal guidance, up-to-date policy analysis, and advocacy tools aimed at navigating the evolving landscape of reproductive health laws. The Hub serves as a central platform for mobilizing grassroots support and equipping stakeholders with the information necessary to advocate for comprehensive reproductive healthcare access.

Chevron Deference on Trial at SCOTUS: Impact Survey for Legal Practitioners

A Landmark Case

In the coming days, the U.S. Supreme Court will issue a ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, a pivotal case that could redefine administrative law by potentially overturning Chevron deference. Chevron deference, established in 1984, requires courts to defer to a federal agency’s interpretation of ambiguous statutes, recognizing the agency's expertise. This principle has been instrumental in maintaining consistent regulatory practices across various sectors.

The implications of this case extend beyond administrative law. A decision against Chevron deference could significantly impact federal regulatory authority in areas such as environmental protection, food and drug safety, employment, consumer protection, and immigration. It would shift more power to the judiciary, allowing courts to override agency interpretations and create a less predictable regulatory environment.

Understanding the Case: A Special L4GG Explainer

To help you grasp the complexities of this case and its potential consequences, L4GG has prepared an explainer document. This guide provides a clear understanding of the issues at stake, the arguments presented, and the broader significance of the Supreme Court's decision for regulatory practices in the United States.

Participate in Our Impact Survey

We are reaching out to our community of legal practitioners to gather insights on how the potential ruling might affect your practice. Please take this quick survey - your feedback is crucial in helping us understand how we can best support you in navigating the post-ruling landscape.

Why Your Input Matters

The outcome of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo could reshape the legal landscape in which we operate. Whether you specialize in administrative law, environmental law, healthcare, or any field subject to federal regulation, the ramifications of this decision could be profound. By participating in our survey, you will help L4GG prepare for the challenges ahead and ensure we can effectively mobilize our community in response to this landmark ruling.

We hope you will take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us. Together, we can stand ready to address the potential upheaval in administrative law and continue our fight for justice and regulatory stability.

NEW: Info on Minors’ Access to Abortion in L4GG’s Policy Resource Hub

L4GG is excited to share some important news from L4GG’s reproductive rights and health equity team. In our ongoing commitment to support providers, patients, and advocates navigating the ever-changing reproductive health law landscape, we are pleased to announce a significant expansion of our Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Health.

Our 'Abortion Laws by State' tracking tool, which provides accurate, reliable, and up-to-date legal research on abortion laws in all 56 U.S. states and territories, now includes detailed information on abortion laws pertaining to minors. Previously, the tool answered critical questions about the legality, exceptions, and requirements for abortion services. Now, with the new section on minors' access, we address additional complexities that providers and advocates face in protecting young individuals' rights.

Here’s an example of what this tool looks like for registered users:

Navigating abortion laws can be challenging, especially with the frequent changes and regional variations. Our Hub, updated daily by over 500 dedicated pro bono attorneys and L4GG’s in-house experts, ensures that you have access to the most current legal information. 

We believe that informed advocates are powerful advocates. By expanding our resources, we aim to equip you with the tools needed to continue the fight for reproductive rights.

We invite you to:

1. Check Out the Hub: Visit our updated Hub to explore the new section on minors’ access to abortion (accessible via free registration). Share the link with colleagues, friends, and anyone who could benefit from these valuable insights.

2. Subscribe for Updates: For those who prefer regular updates on reproductive health law changes, subscribe to our Reproductive Health Digest. This bi-weekly newsletter delivers the latest legal analyses on abortion access straight to your inbox.