Surge in pregnancy-related charges after abortion law changes

A new report reveals a worrying rise in criminal charges related to pregnancy in the US. 

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal abortion law Roe v. Wade in June 2022, at least 210 people were charged with pregnancy-related crimes in just one year. 

That is the highest number ever recorded, according to the group Pregnancy Justice, which published the report. 

These charges include accusations like child endangerment and substance abuse, often without any evidence of harm to the fetus. 

Alabama, Oklahoma, and South Carolina have the highest rates of such prosecutions, driven by strict laws regarding fetal rights.

Pregnancy Justice argues that these charges focus more on controlling pregnant women rather than protecting unborn children. 

They advocate for separating healthcare from the criminal justice system to allow people to access necessary medical care without fear.

The group warns that this trend could worsen health issues, especially related to drug use during pregnancy.

In one case, police charged a woman with abusing her “unborn child” just after they administered Narcan to save her from a drug overdose.

The report was released a day after KFF Health News reported on the story of Amari Marsh. 

The South Carolina woman was charged in May 2023 with “murder/homicide by child abuse,” two months after she went into preterm labor and gave birth in her bathroom.

Marsh spent 22 days in prison, and faced a potential sentence of 20 years to life. 

However, her charges were ultimately dismissed by a grand jury.