Georgia DA Drops Charges Against Woman After Miscarriage

A district attorney in Georgia has decided to drop charges against a pregnant woman who miscarried last month. The woman, Selena Maria Chandler-Scott, was arrested by Tifton Police Department officers after fetal remains were found in a dumpster at an apartment complex.

On the morning of the incident, officers found Chandler-Scott unconscious and bleeding. Emergency responders determined she had suffered a miscarriage and transported her to a medical center. A witness informed the police that she had placed a fetus in a bag in a dumpster. The fetal remains were recovered and sent for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The police initially charged Chandler-Scott with concealing the death of another person and throwing away or abandoning a dead body. However, District Attorney Patrick Warren later announced the dismissal of these charges.

The medical examiner determined the fetus was approximately 19 weeks old and "non-viable" at the time of the miscarriage, showing no signs of independent breathing or foul play. Warren stated his decision was based on a comprehensive review of the investigation, medical reports, relevant laws, case law, and expert input.

Warren explained that continuing the prosecution was not legally sustainable and not in the interest of justice. He emphasized that Chandler-Scott had not violated any crimes and that he had advised the police to await medical findings and complete witness statements before making an arrest.

The case highlights the complexities surrounding pregnancy loss and the legal ramifications. The issue of charging women for miscarriages has become increasingly sensitive since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.