‘Gray area’ of life or death: The horrible scenario that faces many pregnant women rushed to Florida’s ERs

Derick and Anya Cook of Margate can’t shake their memories of the horrific scene that unraveled in the bathroom of a Hollywood hair salon, and the devastation that followed.

Anya had been only 16 weeks’ pregnant when her water broke unexpectedly. She rushed to a Coral Springs hospital in distress. Although the doctor providing emergency care told her that her amniotic sac had ruptured, he gave Anya antibiotics and sent her home. Anything more would violate Florida’s 15-week abortion ban in effect at the time, he told the Cooks.