Press Article: Tragic Case Highlights Impact of Florida’s Abortion Restrictions on Infant Mortality
LAKELAND, FL — In a heartbreaking tale that underscores the ramifications of Florida’s recent abortion restrictions, Deborah Dorbert tragically lost her son, Milo, just 94 minutes after his birth. A routine anatomy scan conducted at 23 weeks revealed severe developmental issues; medical professionals informed Dorbert that Milo’s kidneys and lungs had failed to develop properly, leaving little hope for survival after birth.
Despite recommending an early induction to minimize suffering, hospital legal teams cited Florida’s 15-week abortion ban—implemented in July 2022—as a barrier. “Until my life was on the line, they couldn’t do anything,” Dorbert recalled. The law prevented her from receiving necessary care, forcing her to carry her doomed pregnancy to term, knowing Milo would not survive.
This case reflects a troubling trend since the ban’s inception, with infant mortality linked to congenital anomalies in Florida surging to a six-year high. Following the 2022 law, data indicated that the number of infants dying from severe birth defects grew alarmingly, coinciding with further restrictions introduced by a six-week ban effective May 1, 2023.
Dr. David Berger, a pediatrician involved in Dorbert’s case, noted a notable rise in women facing similar situations, many of whom would have sought abortions prior to the ban. Confusion over legal exceptions continues to further complicate care, leaving patients unsure about their options.
Advocates like Deborah Dorbert now strive for legislative change, supporting Amendment 4, which aims to secure abortion rights in Florida. “I will never have children again… I can’t endure it,” Dorbert expressed, emphasizing the profound emotional toll stemming from these systemic issues in maternal healthcare.
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