Abortionist Angry that Black Patient Chose Life

 The memoir of abortionist Christine Henneberg reveals her complex feelings regarding a specific patient—a pregnant Black woman—who chose to continue her pregnancy despite having doubts about it. The narrative explores themes of informed consent, societal expectations, and racial biases in the context of abortion.

1. The Patient's Situation:

• A 26-year-old Black woman, already a mother, visited the hospital where Dr. Henneberg was a resident. She was pregnant but bleeding and uncertain about continuing the pregnancy.

• The baby's father wanted the child; the mother hesitated about having an abortion.

2. Ultrasound Experience:

• A doctor, referred to as Dr. A, performed an ultrasound, revealing a healthy fetus with a heartbeat.

• The mother reacted positively to seeing her baby’s heartbeat, engaging her son in the moment, showing her excitement.

3. Decision to Keep the Baby:

• Despite the initial uncertainty, the mother chose to continue her pregnancy, leaving Dr. Henneberg feeling “horrified. ”

• Henneberg expressed disappointment that the woman didn’t opt for an abortion, highlighting her expectation that the choice should align with her own views.

4. Henneberg's Internal Conflict:

• She felt the woman’s decision reflected a lack of understanding about the implications of her pregnancy and criticized a colleague for not guiding the mother toward an abortion.

• Henneberg questioned the woman’s decision, suggesting she had made a careless choice by opting for the “easy” path of continuing the pregnancy.

5. Racial Considerations:

• In reflecting on her feelings, Henneberg acknowledged her biases, admitting that her reaction might differ if the patient were a white woman with more privilege.

• She recognized the historical context of coercive medical practices against people of color and identified her own limited perspective on “choice. ”

6. Contrast in Perspectives:

• Henneberg viewed women who chose abortion as courageous due to societal stigma surrounding it, while simultaneously undermining the agency of those who decided to carry their pregnancies to term.

Christine Henneberg’s memoir serves as a lens to examine deeply ingrained biases in healthcare, especially regarding race and choice in pregnancy. Her experiences highlight the importance of informed consent and acknowledging diverse patient perspectives, emphasizing that every woman's choice deserves respect and understanding, irrespective of societal or clinical expectations. 

https://nrlc.org/nrlnewstoday/2026/02/abortionist-angry-that-black-patient-chose-life-2/