Florence Welch Reveals She Nearly Died from Ectopic Pregnancy: “I Had a Coke Can’s Worth of Blood in My Abdomen”

Florence Welch, renowned for her haunting vocals and emotional lyricism as the front woman of Florence + The Machine, has revealed she narrowly survived a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy in 2023. The singer-songwriter, now 39, shared her experience in a recent interview with The Guardian, highlighting the intense physical and emotional toll of her ordeal and the importance of open conversations about reproductive health .

Welch’s ordeal began after learning she had miscarried. She soon discovered the pregnancy had been ectopic—a serious condition in which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This condition, if undetected, can quickly become fatal due to internal bleeding .

In Welch’s case, the fallopian tube ruptured, causing substantial internal bleeding. She described the moment her physician informed her that she had “a Coke can’s worth of blood in abdomen,” underscoring the acute danger she faced .

At the time of the incident, Welch was preparing to headline the Cornwall Music Festival. Despite feeling sick, pale, and experiencing severe pain and heavy bleeding, she went on with her scheduled performance, a testament to her dedication but also a stark reminder of the pressures many performers face to fulfill professional commitments, even at great personal risk .

Shortly after the show, Welch announced on social media that she would cancel upcoming performances due to an emergency surgery—details she was not ready to publicly discuss at the time. Only now has she revealed that the surgery was to address the ruptured fallopian tube and save her life .

Welch’s decision to share her experience brings much-needed visibility to the realities of ectopic pregnancy and the broader conversation around reproductive health. Ectopic pregnancies occur in roughly 1 in 90 pregnancies, according to the UK’s National Health Service, and require immediate medical intervention .

Many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those assigned female at birth and members of the transgender and non-binary communities, face additional barriers to reproductive health care, including discrimination, lack of provider knowledge, and systemic inequalities. Advocates point out that public figures like Welch speaking candidly about such experiences can help reduce stigma and promote awareness, which is crucial for improving health outcomes across all communities .

In her interview, Welch expressed deep gratitude for her doctor’s insistence on a scan that identified the ruptured tube in time to intervene. She acknowledged the trauma of the event and the emotional aftermath, including grief for the lost pregnancy and the shock of her sudden brush with mortality .

Welch’s experience resonates with many in the LGBTQ+ community, who often navigate health care systems that may not always recognize or affirm their identities. Research shows that LGBTQ+ people face higher rates of medical trauma and can experience additional mental health challenges when accessing reproductive health services .

In the months since her surgery, Welch has used her platform to advocate for open dialogue around reproductive health, loss, and survival. By publicly sharing her story, she hopes to encourage others—particularly those who feel isolated by stigmatized health experiences—to seek support and medical care without fear or shame .

Welch’s approach reflects a broader cultural shift toward destigmatizing reproductive health struggles and supporting people of all gender identities as they navigate complex medical journeys. Advocates within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community are calling for more inclusive, sensitive, and accessible health care for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or life circumstance .

Welch’s story highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health care that is both medically sound and culturally competent. LGBTQ+ organizations stress that providers must be educated not only in the medical aspects of ectopic pregnancies and other reproductive challenges, but also in the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ patients .

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Welch’s openness is a powerful reminder that survival and healing are possible—and that no one should have to face medical emergencies alone or in silence. As Welch continues to heal and inspire through her music and advocacy, her story stands as a testament to resilience, the importance of medical vigilance, and the ongoing fight for health equity for all people.