Member-only story
When Pregnancy Loss is a Crime
Your doctor just told you you had a miscarriage. You didn’t even know you were pregnant!
It’s a faintly sad moment. You actually would like a child, but it’s hard to know whether to grieve for something with only almost existed. You had to get medical care because you were bleeding so much.
Except that in your state all miscarriages have to be investigated as potential crimes…with the same penalty as murder or manslaughter. It’s fine, though. You weren’t doing anything…
…and then you’re found guilty of fetal manslaughter. Why?
The answer is that you did something that either could have contributed to the miscarriage or even is falsely considered to have contributed to it by enough people.
You Had a Fall
Right before the miscarriage you fell off of your horse, bike, ladder…
Most accidental falls don’t cause miscarriage, but if you hit hard or at just the right angle then pregnancy loss can occur. Thankfully, your uterus is pretty tough, but…
You Consumed Alcohol, Tobacco, or Any Other Drug
That glass of wine you were seen drinking in a restaurant? That’s the evidence they got you on.