What to Know
On June 9, 2026, Ashley Brown, a mom from South Carolina, posted a video on social media shocking many people. The mother of three was experiencing her sixth miscarriage. She explained that through blood testing and imaging, doctors determined her pregnancy was not viable. But according to Brown, due to the state law, she cannot legally terminate her pregnancy for another two weeks. So instead of a doctor performing a dilation and curettage, then allowing her body to heal, she must endure the psychological and potential physical anguish of a natural miscarriage. She feels like this is a cruel way to treat women’s healthcare.
Brown explained her situation in a lengthy social media post.
Brown shared on social media that there is no chance for this pregnancy. A trip to the emergency room for pain revealed an empty sac and no markers of viability. Her body feels pregnant, but there is no fetus. An ultrasound tech reportedly told Brown she had a hemorrhage next to the sac and potentially a blighted ovum.
A doctor told Brown he had to follow the law.
Despite confirming there was no viable pregnancy, when Brown requested treatment, the doctor reportedly told her he was bound by state law. The law says they must rescan in a week, even though Brown and the doctor concurred that there was no baby.
“I understand why they have these standards in place it is so common for someone to not be as far along as they think and see a viable pregnancy the next ultrasound, however, in this case it is an impossibility for this to be a viable pregnancy,” she wrote on Instagram. “It feels incredibly cruel to make me go 2 more times for ultrasounds to see an empty sac when I’m already grieving just to be able to get the medical intervention I need.”
Brown got a second opinion.
She went to another doctor, who confirmed her pregnancy was not viable. Sadly, she was still required to have another scan. At that point, she’d known for two weeks, with doctor confirmation, that her pregnancy wasn’t viable, and yet the law required her to wait for another scan. Her story positively enraged mothers who cannot understand how anyone could create such a law.
“The sad thing is it’s a bunch of MEN deciding this… I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine living in a country that thinks so little of women’s health,” one person wrote.
So many people agreed. Like this person, “There is NOTHING more cruel, than making a woman stay pregnant with a non viable fetus inside,” they wrote.
And this one who offered love. “I’m so sorry. This is so wrong and cruel,” a supporter added. “Anyone in this comment section not able to understand that, need to sit and ask themselves why their compassion for humanity is broken.”
Brown posted an update about her hope to find a doctor in Florida. “I contacted some clinics in Florida near where we will be staying and I’m hoping to get a d and c Monday. I’m in a gray area where technically I’m over 6weeks but it’s not viable and there is no heart beat,” she wrote.
As of June 16, she has not updated her social media with any news.
