How a person handles a pregnancy loss — and where it occurs — can be the difference between a private medical issue and facing criminal charges.
Summary
States are increasingly criminalizing miscarriages and stillbirths, with women facing charges for failing to seek medical treatment or disposing of fetal remains improperly. The fear and suspicion following the Dobbs decision have exacerbated this trend, leading to investigations based on feelings rather than facts. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, prosecutors often suspect women of trying to end their pregnancies, resulting in criminal prosecutions.