Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio Calls on Ohio Prosecutors to Drop Charges of Ohio Woman for Handling of Miscarriage
For Immediate Release: Jan. 10, 2024
Felony charges against Ohio woman sets dangerous example for criminalizing women experiencing pregnancy loss.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – In response to Ohio prosecutors charging Ohio woman Brittany Watts with felony abuse of a corpse passing a miscarriage of a nonviable fetus, Erica Wilson-Domer, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, released the following statement:
“The case of Brittany Watts introduces a dangerous precedent for criminalizing women for how their pregnancy ends. Pregnancy loss happens to millions of women every year and is a private medical issue–not a topic that should be used to score cheap political points. For these reasons, we strongly urge the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office to drop all charges against Watts, and we encourage Ohioans to call and demand the same.
“In the wake of stricter abortion laws being enacted across the country, it is an unfortunate reality that many other women might face similar charges. Watts’ case is a stark reminder that lawmakers will look for opportunities to police our bodies in order to advance their own political agendas, of Ohio’s inequitable maternal care, and how Ohioans deserve compassionate miscarriage care. There is much work to be done to ensure equitable and accessible reproductive care.
“We support Brittany Watts and all other women whose health and safety is overlooked, especially Black women who are particularly susceptible to this type of policing of women’s bodies because of structural racism.”
If you are interested in speaking with Erica Wilson-Domer of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, please contact Sarah Garfinkel at [email protected].
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Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 15 health centers and two surgical centers throughout Ohio, offering reproductive health care services for generations of Ohioans; supporting people of color, those with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community. PPGOH is committed to the health and safety of Ohio residents by doing everything they can to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion.