Ohio woman not charged for allegedly flushing stillborn fetus
An Ohio Grand Jury Clears Woman Accused of Flushing Stillborn Fetus Down Toilet
An Ohio grand jury made a decision on Thursday not to press charges against Brittany Watts, a 34-year-old woman from Warren, Ohio, who was accused of attempting to flush her stillborn fetus down the toilet. The Trumbull County grand jury chose not to indict her on charges related to felony abuse of a corpse, sparing her from a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a $2,500 fine.
There was evidence to support the case against Watts, as she had made multiple visits to Mercy Health-St. Joseph’s Hospital in the days leading up to the miscarriage. A local judge ruled that there was probable cause to proceed with the case, based on the prosecution’s argument that Watts had tried to flush her 22-week-old nonviable fetus down the toilet. The doctor had advised against inducing labor due to the significant risk of death.
“Justice has been served,” said Traci Timko, legal counsel for Watts. “The grand jury’s decision vindicates Brittany after months of agony.”
Watts plans to use her experience to advocate for legislation that supports women’s rights and ensures that no other woman in Ohio has to prioritize healing from grief and trauma over fighting for her freedom and reputation.
National Attention and Support
Watts’s case gained national attention due to its implications in a post-Roe world. Following the grand jury’s announcement, around 150 supporters gathered outside the courthouse for a “We Stand With Brittany!” protest.
“I want to thank my community — Warren, Ohio,” Watts expressed her gratitude to the supporters. “I was born here, raised here, and I will continue to fight for justice here.”
What steps can be taken to provide better support and resources for women dealing with stillbirths or miscarriages, as highlighted by Brittany Watts’s case
An Ohio grand jury has decided not to press charges against Brittany Watts, a 34-year-old woman from Warren, Ohio, who was accused of attempting to flush her stillborn fetus down the toilet. The Trumbull County grand jury chose not to indict her on charges related to felony abuse of a corpse, thus sparing her from a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a $2,500 fine.
There was evidence to support the case against Watts as she had made multiple visits to Mercy Health-St. Joseph’s Hospital in the days leading up to the miscarriage. A local judge ruled that there was probable cause to proceed with the case based on the prosecution’s argument that Watts had tried to flush her 22-week-old nonviable fetus down the toilet. The doctor had advised against inducing labor due to the significant risk of death.
Traci Timko, legal counsel for Watts, stated, ”Justice has been served. The grand jury’s decision vindicates Brittany after months of agony.”
Watts plans to use her experience to advocate for legislation that supports women’s rights and ensures that no other woman in Ohio has to prioritize healing from grief and trauma over fighting for her freedom and reputation.
Watts’s case gained national attention due to its implications in a post-Roe world. Following the grand jury’s announcement, around 150 supporters gathered outside the courthouse for a “We Stand With Brittany!” protest.
“I want to thank my community — Warren, Ohio,” expressed Watts, expressing her gratitude to the supporters. “I was born here, raised here, and I will continue to fight for justice here.”
This case has sparked a broader conversation about the rights of women in similar situations. It highlights the need for compassion, understanding, and access to proper healthcare for women experiencing stillbirths or miscarriages. The fact that Brittany Watts faced potential legal consequences in the midst of her personal tragedy highlights the complex intersection of reproductive rights and criminal justice.
Many advocates argue that criminalizing actions taken by women in these emotionally devastating moments does not serve justice. Instead, they argue for providing support, resources, and adequate healthcare to women dealing with the loss of their unborn children.
Watts’s case also underscores the need for greater public awareness and education surrounding stillbirths and miscarriages. It is crucial to foster a society in which women feel comfortable seeking medical help and support during difficult times without fear of judgment or legal repercussions.
While the grand jury’s decision relieved Brittany Watts from the immediate legal consequences, the emotional toll and lasting trauma from this experience will undoubtedly remain. It is hoped that through her advocacy efforts, she can make a meaningful impact on the lives of women in similar situations and bring positive change to laws and policies surrounding reproductive rights in Ohio and beyond.
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