Family Seeks Answers After Woman's Death Following Abortion
Updated 07/22/12 - 4:34 p.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) - The family of a Chicago woman who died after an abortion at Planned Parenthood says it wants answers about her death.
Tonya Reaves, 24, died late Friday night from a hemorrhage, with a cervical dilation and evacuation, as well as an intrauterine pregnancy as contributing causes, according to the medical examiner's office.
She died after she'd had an abortion at Planned Parenthood at 18 S. Michigan Av, according to the medical examiner's office.
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Her death was ruled an accident, but the Reaves family wants to know more, especially Tonya's twin sister Toni.
"We were born the same day. She was my other half," Toni said.
Toni Reaves said the family is trying to get through this.
"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," she said.
Toni Reaves said her sister was engaged to be married and had one son - Alvin - who just had his first birthday.
In a written statement, Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Carole Brite said "We were shocked and saddened upon learning of a tragic development at a nearby hospital. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of this patient.
"While legal abortion services in the United States have a very high safety record, a tragedy such as this is devastating to loved ones and we offer our deepest sympathies. Planned Parenthood of Illinois cares deeply about the health and safety of each and every patient. We do not publicly discuss private patient matters and we follow HIPAA laws that forbid the disclosure of patient information."
