Katie Couric Instagram – Samantha Casiano learned at her 20-week scan that her baby had anencephaly and would not survive. She asked her doctor what her options were—but since she lives in Texas and lacked the time, finances, and resources to travel out of state, she was told her only option was to continue with the pregnancy. As the months wore on, Samantha found it excruciating to have people constantly congratulating her, and she worried relentlessly about how she would afford a funeral for her daughter. Samantha’s baby died four hours after birth, and after a simple funeral, Samantha resolved to tell her story publicly in the hope that others would not have to go through the same experience. She is now one of 22 plaintiffs in the Center for Reproductive Rights lawsuit against Texas, and gave a harrowing but powerful testimony about her experience in July. “This lawsuit started with five women and has grown continuously as more women come forward with their traumatic experiences,” said Molly Duane, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center. “The numbers will continue to grow until the state of Texas gives doctors clarity on who they can help and when. Yet, the Texas government is doubling down on these laws that continue to risk the lives and health of every pregnant person in Texas. All we are asking for is common-sense guidance that will allow doctors to use their good faith judgment without fearing loss of their license and life in prison.”