Nicaraguan Woman Denied Prenatal Care; Lawmakers Now Seek Her Release
Mar 21, 2026·Location: Campbell County, KY
Country of origin: Nicaragua

Anabell, a Nicaraguan immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 2022 and was working in food service in Milwaukee, tested positive for pregnancy twice after being detained at Campbell County Detention Center in Kentucky. In late March, after experiencing vaginal bleeding, severe pain, and cramping, she pleaded for emergency medical help in a written request and was taken to a hospital, where staff told her she was not pregnant despite her positive tests, leaving her uncertain about what occurred. She received no prenatal care or vitamins during detention, was not seen by a doctor within 72 hours of her positive pregnancy test as federal policy requires, and was tasked with carrying heavy items despite her condition; she has since experienced ongoing pain, numbness, vomiting, and hair loss without follow-up care. Her attorney and Democratic Reps. Gwen Moore and Delia Ramirez, who met with her this week at the detention center, have been unable to obtain her medical records despite repeated requests and are now pushing for her release; ICE and DHS did not respond to requests for comment. Anabell is pursuing an asylum claim in the United States.
Sources
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