The family of Tonya Reaves is demanding answers after she died following an abortion Friday (July 20). The 24-year-old went to a Planned Parenthood facility in Chicago to have her second trimester pregnancy eliminated.
According to her autopsy, Reaves suffered a fatal hemorrhage, during the dilation of evacuation procedure (also known as D&E), which surgically removes fetal tissue from the cervix. This method is normal for women in their second trimester and is also used as a therapeutic procedure after miscarriages, to prevent infection in the uterus by ensuring that it is fully evacuated.
In wake of the tragedy, Reaves’ family wants answers. Although her death has been ruled an accident, the family is seeking further inquiry into the matter. “We were born the same day. She was my other half,” said Reaves’ twin sister, Toni. “It happened so fast. She was just fine one day and then the next day she was gone. We’re just trying to figure out what happened… what happened.”
Carole Brite, CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois released a statement expressing that the organization—which provides free and/or low-cost services for women without medical coverage—is “shocked” and “saddened” by her untimely death.
This latest tragedy has shed another unflattering light on Planned Parenthood which was accused of targeting Black patients by strategically placing advertisements in minority communities.
