A Texas woman has filed a federal complaint against two hospitals for allegedly denying her critical care during a miscarriage, a situation she claims was exacerbated by the state’s stringent abortion laws. Lynn Callaway, a 40-year-old mother from Austin, expressed her frustration at the medical system’s failure to provide the needed support when she faced complications during her pregnancy.
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On June 22, Callaway targeted St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in her complaint, addressing the mishandling of her miscarriage that occurred in October 2025. Callaway, whose excitement had swelled upon discovering she was pregnant for the second time, faced a distressing shift just seven weeks into her term, as she began experiencing significant abdominal pain and bleeding.
After consulting her obstetrician, a nurse practitioner speculated that she could be experiencing either an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Given the worrying symptoms, Callaway felt that immediate intervention was necessary. However, she was reportedly sent home after blood tests showed her hCG levels—a hormone related to pregnancy—were declining, an indicator of potential miscarriage.
Callaway’s condition deteriorated at home, prompting her to seek further medical assistance. When she contacted her obstetrician’s office, an on-call nurse allegedly informed her that due to the level of her hCG, they could not provide a D&C (dilatation and curettage) or medication to assist with the pregnancy termination. Instead, she was instructed to monitor her symptoms.
Upon visiting the emergency room at Baylor Scott & White, Callaway expected that her situation would be assessed comprehensively. Upon examination, a doctor confirmed that she was miscarrying and noted the absence of cardiac activity. However, rather than providing treatment, Callaway was advised to go home and allow the miscarriage to happen naturally. This response left her feeling inadequate and fearful, as she was told to simply manage her pain with over-the-counter medication.
Frustrated and in pain, Callaway sought help once again at St. David’s Round Rock, where she was ultimately diagnosed with a miscarriage accompanied by an infection. After receiving antibiotics and pain relief, her condition continued to be serious. It was only after multiple visits to various facilities that she finally received treatment to terminate the remains of the pregnancy, which had sat unaddressed for several days.
The legislation in Texas, which imposes strict limitations on abortion, is cited as a factor contributing to the hesitancy among medical professionals to provide necessary care even in situations of miscarriage. Callaway’s complaint alleges that Baylor Scott & White and St. David’s Round Rock violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) by failing to offer timely medical treatment required to stabilise her deteriorating condition during the miscarriage.
Callaway’s husband, Mario, commented on the difficult experience, expressing feelings of helplessness as he watched his wife suffer without adequate medical support. “It did something to me where I felt like I had to still be present for my son and be level-headed, but then on the inside I’m freaking out,” he said.
In the wake of her traumatic experience, Callaway has also reported battling persistent infections and has been diagnosed with PTSD. She finds it challenging to be around pregnant women without triggering distressing thoughts or emotions. “Many women are completely unaware of how quickly things can go wrong during pregnancy,” she reflected, citing the many who are unable to share their stories because they didn’t survive their complications.
Both hospitals mentioned in Callaway’s complaint have acknowledged receipt of it but have refrained from detailing specific cases due to privacy laws. St. David’s Round Rock conveyed that they are addressing the complaint through relevant regulatory processes, adding that they strive to comply with state and federal laws.
As she continues to advocate for better medical care for women facing pregnancy complications, Callaway remains hopeful about expanding her family despite the daunting experiences she has faced. “It wasn’t just grieving the loss of a pregnancy,” she summarised, “but grieving a system you thought would protect you.”