Free & Just Statement on Death of Ciji Graham, Mother & Police Officer Who Died After Being Denied Lifesaving Care

Ciji Graham’s death was preventable, but North Carolina’s abortion ban denied her access to care.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ProPublica reported on the death of North Carolina mother and Greensboro Police Officer, Ciji Graham, 34, who died after being denied standard medical care under North Carolina’s abortion ban. Graham, whose pregnancy was considered high-risk due to a serious heart condition, struggled to access necessary health care because the state’s restrictive abortion laws left doctors unable to act. 

North Carolina law bans most abortions after twelve weeks of pregnancy, with few exceptions. As a result, women are often denied care because doctors fear criminalization, even in emergency cases. 

In response to today’s reporting, Veronica Ingham, Managing Director for Free & Just released the following statement: 

“Ciji Graham’s preventable death is devastating and a painful reminder of what happens when politicians interfere in our medical care. Our hearts are broken for Ciji's family, and Free & Just sends our deepest condolences to her son, SJ. Abortion bans are killing women across the country, and more lives will be lost. Ciji should still be here — raising her son and serving her community. Instead, her life was cut short by anti-abortion extremism.”

Graham’s passing marks the seventh known woman to have died after being denied care due to a state’s extreme abortion ban. 

If you are interested in speaking with local patient storytellers, health care providers, or families impacted by ongoing attacks on access to abortion care, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us. 

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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.