Amanda Zurawski

Amanda Zurawski is a prominent American reproductive rights advocate whose personal ordeal has galvanized national attention and legal action against restrictive abortion laws in Texas.

In 2022, at 18 weeks pregnant, Zurawski experienced a medical emergency known as preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Despite the life-threatening nature of her condition, she was denied an abortion due to Texas laws prohibiting the procedure while fetal cardiac activity is detectable. This delay led to septic shock, resulting in permanent reproductive damage .

Determined to seek justice, Zurawski became the lead plaintiff in Zurawski v. State of Texas, a landmark lawsuit challenging the state's abortion bans. The case marked the first instance where pregnant women directly sued a state over abortion restrictions following the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade .

Beyond the courtroom, Zurawski has emerged as a compelling voice in the fight for reproductive freedom. She testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in April 2023, sharing her harrowing experience and criticizing the policies that nearly cost her life .

Her advocacy extended into the political arena, where she supported pro-choice candidates and spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Zurawski's story was also featured in a documentary, Zurawski v. Texas, which premiered in 2024 .

In recognition of her unwavering commitment, Zurawski has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Time's Women of the Year in 2025 and receiving the Champion of Change award from Planned Parenthood of Greater New York .

Originally from Indiana, Zurawski now resides in Austin, Texas, where she continues to advocate for reproductive rights and inspire change through her resilience and activism.