This is only clear in retrospect. At the time, an argument could have been made that the baby was still alive, thus there was a possibility it would survive. It wasn't that obvious that the woman would die. Her condition deteriorated very rapidly, and it was too late by then.

That's the problem with "life" or "rape" exception - they don't work. Look at any countries that provide them, there's evidence that they don't work, that even women who qualify aren't able to get them.