ATLANTA (October 31, 2024) – Today, Georgia Senate Democratic Caucus Chair, Sen. Elena Parent (D–Atlanta), addressed maternal health concerns impacting Georgia women, as highlighted by the harrowing experience of her constituent Avery Davis Bell. Bell, a 34-year-old Atlanta resident and mother of one, suffered pregnancy complications, which resulted in a second-trimester miscarriage and a dangerous hemorrhage. Bell, who was awaiting a live-saving dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure, had to wait 20 hours before receiving the procedure as providers wrestled with the legal limitations surrounding her case.
Sen. Parent expressed her ongoing concern for maternal health outcomes in Georgia and her commitment to reforming policies to protect women from such dangerous situations, stating, “No woman in Georgia should go through what Avery and her husband experienced. I look forward to continuing to work on legislation that will protect women in Georgia before and during pregnancy. Too many pregnant women in Georgia are on life support, physically and emotionally. These women deserve better.”
Sen. Parent urges Georgia lawmakers to re-examine and prioritize policies that protect the health and lives of mothers in the state. She remains committed to addressing the gaps in healthcare provision for women facing pregnancy complications under Georgia’s current laws.
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Sen. Elena Parent serves as Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. She represents the 42nd Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb County. She may be reached at 404.456.5109 or via email at elena.parent@senate.ga.gov
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