A Black woman from Ohio, Brittany Watts, who faced charges after experiencing a miscarriage in her bathroom last year, recently shared her emotions and expressed the desire to prevent other women from undergoing a similar ordeal. In her first interview with CBS Mornings following her September arrest, Watts disclosed that authorities became involved after a hospital nurse reported the incident to the police. The charges against her were dismissed by an Ohio grand jury earlier this month.
Watts, 34, was 21 weeks and five days pregnant when she observed “uncomfortable” fluid leakage. Her OB-GYN informed her of a nonviable pregnancy. Watts was transported to Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital, where she faced hours of waiting for medical attention. Frustrated and feeling ignored, she left the hospital against medical advice, understanding the potential risks mentioned in medical records.
Upon returning to the hospital the next day for labor induction, Watts faced further delays and opted to go home. Her use of the term “abortion” in discussions about her care raised concerns, leading to the referral of her case to Mercy Health’s ethics committee. Ohio law prohibits abortions after 22 weeks, with exceptions for life-saving care.
While awaiting a decision on induction, Watts, concerned about her health, miscarried two days after leaving the hospital. During her third visit amidst the miscarriage, a nurse called the police, alleging that Watts “didn’t want the baby” and “didn’t want to look” at the fetus. Watts disputes these claims, emphasizing that she never expressed a lack of desire for her baby.
Days later, Watts was arrested on charges of abusing a corpse, a fifth-degree felony. The charge is punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. The Ohio grand jury, on January 11, determined that Watts would not be indicted, stating that she did not violate the state’s criminal statute.
Watts and her attorney, Traci Timko, believe that her race played a role in the charges. They argue that the hospital “weaponized the police” against Watts, portraying her as a non-compliant individual. Watts is now motivated to advocate for changes in laws related to women who experience miscarriages, emphasizing the need for clearer regulations in such situations.
“As the old saying goes, ‘History repeats itself.’ I don’t want it to happen in this case,” Watts stated, reflecting on her experience and the importance of preventing similar incidents in the future.
[Ohio news]
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