Fetal personhood laws have been reaching new extremes in the post-Roe v. Wade era. A new ProPublica investigation shows just how far states are willing to go to invalidate pregnant people’s wishes in the interest of protecting an unborn child.

Cherise Doyley arrived at the University of Florida Health hospital in September 2024 with the intent of having a vaginal birth. The pregnant mother of three had had her other children via cesarean section and experienced complications from those, including a hemorrhage.

Doctors, concerned about the possibility of uterine rupture with a vaginal birth, recommended Doyley have a C-section. Doyley said she wouldn’t consent without at least trying to have a vaginal delivery first.

The hospital didn’t agree. After several hours, a nurse came into her room with a bedsheet and a tablet. On the screen was a judge, lawyers, doctors and hospital staff. Doyley was in virtual court for failing to agree to a C-section.

“Now this is the........

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