Amber Nicole Thurman was a vibrant, healthy 28-year-old Georgia woman who tragically died due to abortion laws and medical neglect, her family says.

Amber Nicole Thurman’s life could have been preventable

According to reports, Thurman died after waiting 20 hours in pain for a hospital to treat a rare complication from taking an abortion pill that she had to obtain in North Carolina. She needed a routine procedure, a dilation and curettage (D&C), to clear residual tissue from her uterus.

Did abortion laws cause problems for the mother?

But she reportedly couldn’t get the help she needed. New abortion laws in Georgia made conducting this essential medical procedure a felony unless in an emergency situation.

Georgia’s LIFE Act took effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022 and banned abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, effectively prohibiting abortions beyond around six weeks of pregnancy, and criminalized performing one with limited exceptions.

Thurman had sought help at a local hospital in Stockbridge, Georgia. Even as Thurman developed sepsis, her family says doctors at the hospital did not evacuate the remaining fetal tissue in her uterus with the (D&C). Unfortunately, she later died on the operating table, reports ProPublica.

After Thurman’s death, a Fulton County Superior Court judge struck down the law, stating the law violates Georgia’s Constitution, reports NewsWeek.

ProPublica reported that Georgia’s maternal mortality committee also found that Thurman’s death was completely preventable. When her family learned this, they were devastated once again and their grief intensified affirming that Amber should not have died.

GoFundMe

As Thurman’s family struggles to cope with their grief and anger, they are striving to care for Amber’s son the way she wanted and have started a GoFundMe.

“The funds through this site will support Amber’s son for his immediate needs and for his future. This includes mental health and grief counseling for him and Amber’s family,” the GoFundMe reads.

According to the family, the funds will also support the family’s fight for justice for Amber and women’s rights over their own bodies.

“Amber was a devoted mother to her 6-year-old son and had dreams of becoming a nurse while she worked as a medical assistant. Amber hoped to provide a bright future for herself and her son, but that was stolen from her, and we cannot stand by as this happens to more women.”

Visit the GoFundMe to donate and for more information.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and just like any other diseases, there are myths about this one.

Stats

According to Zero Prostate, Black and African American men are much more likely to develop prostate cancer. One in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime—compared to one in eight men overall. Black men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with—and 2.1 times more likely to die from—prostate cancer than white men.

Prostate Cancer awareness challenge

Civil Rights icon Charles D. Neblett, PhD.’s family nonprofit organization Community Projects, Inc. has created a new initiative, the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge, asking Black prostate cancer survivors and patients to post their journeys using the hashtag simply.

The purpose of the initiative is to open dialogue, overcome stigmas and fears, capture snapshots of experiences, and share information and resources to reveal the complex issues of health equity concerns among Black men.

In honor of Prostate Awareness Month, the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge initiative has created 7 myths about the afflicting disease.

Check out the 7 myths about prostate cancer debunked by #BlackProstateCheckChallenge

1. Black men get prostate cancer just like every other race. No. According to the American Cancer Society, the prevalence of prostate cancer is greater in Black males, affecting one out of every six, compared to one out of every eight white men. In addition, black men experience a greater mortality rate from prostate cancer, which is twice as high as that of white men. White men have historically enjoyed the privilege of receiving cancer treatments, which accounts for the difference in mortality rates. A recent Keck School of Medicine of USC study found nine previously undiscovered genetic variants that increase the risk of prostate cancer in men of African ancestry, with seven of these variants being found mostly or exclusively in Black men.
2. “I don’t have prostate cancer if I have no symptoms.” No. Black men are being diagnosed in later stages and with more specific aggressive prostate cancer. Sexual partners are key supporters to encourage men to notice symptoms like more frequent trips to restroom in middle of the night or a difference is sexual performance. By the time Black men notice symptoms, they could be in a later stage than white men. If a Black man has a grandfather or father who has prostate cancer, they should be getting a DRE exam by age 35-38 because they are now at risk.
3. Every hospital lab has the same standard imaging equipment. No. You should ask what year your radiation machine was built. 30% of men getting radiated for prostate cancer are treated with older, lower energy machines. Patients should work with their doctor to stay on top of their imaging as well as their PSA test results.
4. “There is one best way to treat prostate cancer.” No, a patient and a doctor should have “shared decision-making.” You should have an open, trusted relationship to decide the route that’s the best individualized for you based on your genetics, health history, age, stage, and lifestyle. Every prostate cancer patient should have access to a nutritionist.
5. “Every male should get screening as soon as possible.” No. Black men have the highest false-positive results. There have not been enough Black men studied in clinical trials to support that early screening prevents prostate cancer.
6. “Prayer and spirituality can’t help cancer.” Cancer can help patients to focus on what truly matters, and prompt us to live with a heightened consciousness of our ultimate priorities. The current data suggests that added stress or trauma can contribute to more aggressive cancer.
7. “Cancer care is covered by Medicare.” No. The average cost of Stage 4 prostate cancer is more than $93,000 annually, according to the American Cancer Society. The Medicare for All Act was introduced in Senate (05/17/2023). It would establish a national health insurance program that is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. It has not passed.

A recent survey conducted by BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, has uncovered a significant trend among Black Gen Z daters—43% are currently practicing celibacy.

Black Gen Z celibacy

Among Black Gen Z women, the number is even higher, with 64% embracing this lifestyle choice. Interestingly, most of these women are new to celibacy, with 63% having adopted it in the past six months.

This shift reflects a growing focus on personal development and mental well-being among young Black daters. The survey found that the top reasons for choosing celibacy include personal growth and self-discovery (61%), as well as frustration with toxic dating culture.

Key Survey Findings:

• 43% of Black Gen Z daters are practicing celibacy.
• 64% of Black Gen Z women are celibate, with 63% having been celibate for less than six months.
• 61% cited personal growth or self-discovery as their primary reason for celibacy.
• 66% reported improved mental and emotional well-being due to celibacy.
• 87% said celibacy has either positively impacted their dating life or made no difference.
• 1 in 3 Black Gen Z daters believe celibacy is becoming more accepted, though 43% still feel there’s a stigma within the Black community.

Celibacy and Mental Health: A Positive Impact

Celibacy isn’t just about abstaining from physical intimacy; it’s become a means of emotional and mental self-care for many Gen Z daters. The survey revealed that 66% of respondents reported significant improvements in their mental and emotional well-being since becoming celibate. By focusing on their inner growth and avoiding the stress of toxic dating environments, young Black singles are finding greater peace and clarity.

Contrary to concerns that celibacy might hinder dating success, 87% of those surveyed said it has either positively impacted their dating life or made no difference at all. In fact, many Black Gen Z daters prefer to discuss celibacy early in a relationship, creating transparency and fostering deeper connections.

Navigating Stigma: The Evolving Perception of Celibacy in the Black Community

While celibacy is becoming more accepted among Black Gen Z, with 1 in 3 feeling that it’s gaining acceptance, 43% believe that stigma or misunderstanding still exists within the broader Black community. These individuals are redefining what it means to date and thrive in relationships, challenging outdated societal norms in the process.

Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing at BLK, highlights this cultural shift: “What we’re seeing with Black Gen Z singles is more than just a dating trend—it’s a movement towards personal empowerment and emotional well-being. This generation values authenticity and is reclaiming their narratives, prioritizing self-discovery over societal expectations. The rise in celibacy speaks to their desire for healthier relationships, both with themselves and others, and that’s a powerful statement.”

As more Black Gen Z daters follow this path, celibacy is emerging as a growing cultural trend, not just for dating but as a broader statement about self-worth, mental health, and emotional well-being.