A former USAID worker, Charlee Doom, is speaking out after her pregnant wife was denied an emergency medical evacuation, despite facing life-threatening complications while stationed abroad.
Doom, who had been living in Bangkok, Thailand, with her wife and child, says the decision by the U.S. State Department put their family at serious risk, and claims the denial was due to funding cuts within the agency.
Who Is Charlee Doom?
Charlee Doom is a Conflict Specialist with the U.S. State Department, with experience in high-risk countries like Somalia and Myanmar. Until recently, she served as Deputy Director for Economic Growth and Food Security Coordinator for Burma under USAID.
During this time, Doom’s wife, who was 31 weeks pregnant, began experiencing severe pregnancy complications that doctors considered life-threatening.
Medical Evacuation Denied—Twice
Despite the urgency of the situation, the couple’s request for a standard obstetric emergency medical evacuation was denied twice by the State Department.
Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Doom said:
“My wife was the first person I can find in USAID’s 61-year history who was denied an obstetric medevac — a standard right for foreign service officers and their families.”
According to Doom, the reason was a budget decision led by USAID official Peter Marocco, who allegedly removed funding for such medical support.
Help Came Too Late
Doom said that despite efforts from several U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Mitch McConnell, the request was not approved in time.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t happen soon enough,” she shared. “My wife hemorrhaged and spent seven weeks on bed rest — both in the hospital and at home.”
Thankfully, their baby girl was born safely, though the delivery involved significant blood loss, and her wife is still recovering.
What Happens Next?
Speaking from Bangkok while holding her newborn daughter during the interview, Doom expressed gratitude that her family survived the ordeal. But their journey is not over.
She explained they are now trying to complete the paperwork to return to the U.S., while also caring for her wife, who remains at high risk of further medical complications.
“We’re going to try to keep her on light duty and make sure she’s healthy before getting on a plane,” Doom said.