Dallas OB-GYN who fled Texas for an abortion to attend State of the Union
Dr. Austin Dennard, a dedicated OBGYN and mother from Dallas, is set to attend President Biden’s State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. next week. Her journey to the national spotlight began when she joined a lawsuit with other Texas women to challenge the state’s restrictive anti-abortion law, which lacked a medical exception clause.
The emotional toll of Dr. Dennard’s experience was evident as she shared her story, recounting the heartbreaking moment when she received a devastating diagnosis for her unborn baby. In 2022, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, she learned that her baby boy had anencephaly, a condition where the head does not fully form, rendering the pregnancy life-threatening and jeopardizing her future reproductive health.
Despite the urgent need for medical intervention, Dr. Dennard faced insurmountable obstacles in Texas due to the stringent abortion laws in place. Feeling powerless and trapped by the state’s restrictions, she made the difficult decision to seek abortion care on the East Coast, away from the oppressive legislation that denied her the autonomy to make choices about her own body.
Returning to Texas to practice as an OBGYN, Dr. Dennard found herself in a professional environment fraught with fear and uncertainty. The pervasive climate of intimidation and censorship surrounding discussions of abortion made it challenging for healthcare providers to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients, as the threat of legal repercussions loomed over any mention of reproductive rights.
Six months ago, Dr. Dennard welcomed a healthy baby boy into the world, reflecting on the profound impact of having access to the necessary medical care. She expressed gratitude for the positive outcome but also acknowledged the stark reality that without the ability to seek timely and essential healthcare, her cherished son might not have been a part of her life today. The experience underscored the critical importance of upholding reproductive rights and ensuring that all individuals have the freedom to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures.
