Black Woman Story of Miscarriage, Trauma, and the Push for Change
In a recent interview with national correspondent Jericka Duncan, Brittany Watts, a 34-year-old Black woman from Ohio, shared her deeply distressing experience after being charged with a felony following a miscarriage in her bathroom. Watts, who was 21 weeks pregnant, shed light on the inadequate care she received at a hospital, the emotional toll of her miscarriage, and the subsequent legal battle that ensued. This blog post delves into the troubling events faced by Watts and the broader issues surrounding miscarriage laws.
The Tragic Ordeal: Watts discovered her pregnancy was not viable when she was 21 weeks and five days pregnant. Frustrated by delays and a lack of attention at Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital in Warren, Ohio, Watts eventually experienced a miscarriage at home. The shocking twist in her ordeal came when she was charged with a felony, sparking questions about the legal implications surrounding pregnancy complications.
Hospital Delays and Frustration: Watts narrated her harrowing experience at the hospital, where she endured an agonizing eight-hour wait for medical attention. Feeling ignored and frustrated, she left against medical advice but later returned for labor induction, facing an additional 11-hour wait. The hospital’s ethics committee got involved when Watts mentioned the word “abortion,” leading to concerns about the hospital’s handling of her case.
The Legal Battle Unfolds: Watts’ case took a drastic turn when a nurse, unidentified by the hospital, called the police during her miscarriage. The hospital had referred her case to the ethics committee due to concerns about her language. Watts faced arrest on charges of abusing a corpse, a fifth-degree felony that could result in imprisonment and fines. The arrest raised questions about the intersection of medical ethics, patient rights, and the legal system.
Race and Advocacy: Watts expressed her belief that her race played a role in the charges brought against her. Her attorney, Traci Timko, highlighted how Watts was unfairly portrayed, emphasizing the need for reform in how hospitals handle such cases. Watts, now motivated to bring about change, advocates for adjustments to laws surrounding women who experience miscarriages.
The Grand Jury’s Decision: After a prolonged legal battle, an Ohio grand jury decided on January 11 to dismiss the charges against Watts. Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins stated that Watts did not violate Ohio criminal statutes, bringing a sense of relief to Watts and her attorney.
A Call for Change: Watts, having gone through a traumatic experience, is now determined to use her story to advocate for legislative changes. She aims to raise awareness about the lack of regulations guiding women in situations like hers and hopes that her case serves as a catalyst for reform.
Conclusion: Brittany Watts’ heartbreaking ordeal sheds light on the complex intersection of medical care, legal ramifications, and racial disparities faced by women in vulnerable situations. As her case prompts discussions about the need for clearer laws surrounding miscarriages, Watts stands as a symbol of resilience, sparking a call for change to prevent others from enduring similar hardships in the future.
In a recent interview with national correspondent Jericka Duncan, Brittany Watts, a 34-year-old Black woman from Ohio, shared her deeply distressing experience after being charged with a felony following a miscarriage in her bathroom. Watts, who was 21 weeks pregnant, shed light on the inadequate care she received at a hospital, the emotional toll of…
In a recent interview with national correspondent Jericka Duncan, Brittany Watts, a 34-year-old Black woman from Ohio, shared her deeply distressing experience after being charged with a felony following a miscarriage in her bathroom. Watts, who was 21 weeks pregnant, shed light on the inadequate care she received at a hospital, the emotional toll of…