Breaking News: When Miscarriages Become Crimes
In a shocking turn of events, Republican state legislatures and conservative courts are assigning rights to fetuses, with devastating implications for pregnant women carrying them.
Key Facts:
Sasha, a 16-week pregnant woman in South Carolina, suffered a miscarriage at 18 weeks due to a subchorionic hemorrhage.
The day after her miscarriage, she returned to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and bleeding.
Her medical providers reported her to the state's Department of Social Services, who alerted the county sheriff's office about a possible child abuse case.
Timeline:
June 2023: Sasha experiences vaginal bleeding and is diagnosed with a threatened miscarriage.
June 10, 2023: Sasha miscarries an 18-week-old non-viable fetus in a motel room.
June 11, 2023: Sasha returns to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and bleeding.
Immediate Impact and Response:
The county sheriff's office launched an investigation into Sasha's case, treating her miscarriage as a potential child abuse incident. This has sparked widespread concern among medical professionals, advocates for women's rights, and lawmakers.
Background Context:
In recent years, several states have passed laws assigning fetal rights, which are often used to prosecute pregnant women who experience miscarriages or stillbirths. These laws have been criticized for being overly broad and punitive.
What Happens Next:
As the investigation into Sasha's case continues, advocates are calling for lawmakers to revisit these fetal rights laws and ensure that they do not inadvertently harm vulnerable women. The incident has also raised questions about the role of law enforcement in medical emergencies and the need for clearer guidelines on when to intervene.
This development highlights the urgent need for policymakers to balance the protection of fetal rights with the well-being and safety of pregnant women. As this story continues to unfold, we will provide updates and analysis on the implications for society and the potential consequences for women's health and human rights.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Motherjones reporting.*
