Woman found guilty for First-Degree Manslaughter (for a miscarriage)

[WhiskeyGrinder]

https://www.kswo.com/2021/10/05/woman-found-guilty-first-degree-manslaughter/

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A woman has been found guilty of First-Degree Manslaughter at the Comanche County Courthouse.

An autopsy report stated Poolaw’s child died at 17 weeks gestation.

The report showed it tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine and another drug in the liver and brain.

An OBGYN testified on the stand Tuesday as an expert by the state.

The doctor confirmed the fetus was at the gestational age of about 17 weeks and that methamphetamine use can have an effect on the pregnancy, though he say it may not be the direct cause of death for the fetus.

A nurse and medical examiner both testified to seeing congenital abnormalities on the fetus.

Sorry for the weird TV syntax in the article -- there just isn't a lot of coverage on this from larger outlets. The sentencing was almost two weeks ago.

It's stories like these that make me push back on the "they want to make this Handmaid's Tale!" comments. Many, many people are already living in that world -- poor people, Black people, people of color, Indigenous people, people on the margins for whatever reason. Saying that world is "coming" erases the experiences of those facing it now -- and who have faced it for decades.

[berniesandersmittens]

1. Why was the fetus tested in the first place?

Congenital abnormalities happen regularly in fetal miscarriages.

As a retired embalmer, I have seen this first hand. I can't remember ever thinking the mother was at fault - at all. Miscarriages happen.


Charges like this are incomprehensible.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

2. It's not clear, but it's possible to ask for an autopsy on a miscarriage.

If she didn't ask, though...

[berniesandersmittens]

6. Autopsies are expensive

If the mother did not consent, that's a whole new set of legalities.

We really need more information on this. Thank you for posting and please update us on this.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

3. Kick for something white feminists say they fear is coming -- for them. It's here now for others.

[berniesandersmittens]

7. Kick

[crimycarny]

4. What about the father? Did he take drugs that damages his sperm?

If we’re going to punish the woman better examine the sperm of the father too.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2008/feb/19/health.drugsandalcohol

If a doctor states he can’t the mother’s drug use caused the abnormalities, how can she be convicted? If that isn’t reasonable doubt I don’t know what is.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

5. Kicking because a lot of people said they'd "burn it all down" when shit like this happened.

[Demovictory9]

9. kick to top again

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. Nighttime kick.

[Celerity]

10. A black woman in Alabama in 2019 was shot by another woman whilst

sitting in a car. The bullet to her abdomen caused a miscarriage and they tried to prosecute her for manslaughter. The shooter was not charged as she used a 'stand your ground' defence.

[NutmegYankee]

11. This is the end stage for abortion bans

By criminally investigating all miscarriages (1 in 8 pregnancies), women can be forced to justify lifestyle and nutritional choices under threat of imprisonment. The women will lose freedom because of the fear, which is the ultimate goal of right-wing activists who would like to see women driven back into the home and kitchen to "traditional" roles.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

15. Exactly.

[Ligyron]

12. Yeah, but what type of person takes dangerous rec drugs while pregnant?

I consider myself a feminist but I think they kinda have a point here.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

14. An addicted person. Someone who needs help, not punishment.

Last edited Fri Oct 15, 2021, 08:59 AM - Edit history (1)

The drugs can't be proven to have caused the miscarriage, so what is "the point here"?

[Corgigal]

13. Can

shouldn’t be considered legal proof. Don’t put me on a jury like this, it’s bs.

[FakeNoose]

16. Oklahoma is now in Bizarro World

This is scary stuff! Although I believe this woman would have a very strong appeal on this ruling, assuming she has a lawyer that will take the case.

[BeckyDem]

17. Very sick to hate women this much.

[Solly Mack]

18. K&R