Warren, Ohio – A woman in Warren, Ohio, who had a miscarriage and was charged with “abuse of a corpse” last October, will now avoid prosecution after a Grand Jury chose not to indict her. Brittany Watts, 34, faced the possibility of up to a year in prison for the charge. This case is part of a disturbing trend of prosecutions and restrictions targeting pregnant women, including those who have miscarried or terminated their pregnancies, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion.
According to reports, Watts delivered the fetus at home and then went to the hospital, where she claimed to have placed the remains in a black bucket after removing them from the toilet. However, the coroner’s report revealed that the fetal remains were discovered lodged in the toilet bowl. Subsequent evaluation determined that the baby had died before birth due to a natural miscarriage, and no illegal substances were found. Two weeks later, Watts was arrested on charges of “abusing a corpse.”
The local police and city attorney of Warren, Ohio were responsible for pursuing the charges against Watts. The case was referred to a grand jury by a judge who retired shortly thereafter. In November 2023, Ohio voters voted to amend the state constitution, explicitly protecting abortion rights.
The case of Brittany Watts highlights the consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision, as women who have experienced miscarriages or have chosen to terminate their pregnancies find themselves facing legal repercussions for their circumstances. This distressing pattern demonstrates the urgent need for clarity and protection of reproductive rights in the wake of the court’s ruling.
In conclusion, the Grand Jury’s decision not to indict Brittany Watts is the latest development in a series of cases targeting women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss or have sought abortions in Ohio. As the state grapples with the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights, the need for comprehensive legislation and support for women facing such situations becomes increasingly evident.