In August 2023, Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black woman, was fatally shot by police during an incident described as a shoplifting confrontation.
This event led to widespread outrage over police conduct, particularly regarding the engagement with pregnant women.
The case against the officer involved, identified as Officer Grubb, includes charges of murder and involuntary manslaughter, highlighting issues of police brutality and the need for policy changes in law enforcement interactions with pregnant individuals.
Following the highly publicized case of Diana Sanchez, who gave birth alone in a Denver jail cell in 2018, Colorado passed a law in August 2023.
This law creates a “rebuttable presumption against detention” for pregnant women, aiming to prevent similar incidents where pregnant women are incarcerated unless there’s a clear risk to public safety.
This legislative move was influenced by the traumatic experiences of women like Sanchez and aims to prioritize health and safety during pregnancy over detention.
An example from Oklahoma showcases the broader issue where Brittney Poolaw, a member of the Comanche Nation, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter following a miscarriage, which authorities linked to her methamphetamine use.
This case has been widely criticized for applying criminal charges to a miscarriage, highlighting the intersection of reproductive rights, health, and the legal system’s treatment of pregnant women with substance use disorders.
The incidents have fueled discussions on the need for legal reforms, focusing on the health and rights of pregnant women.
There’s a growing consensus among health professionals and advocates that criminalizing behaviors during pregnancy, particularly related to substance use or health outcomes like miscarriage, does not serve public health or justice.
Instead, these cases underscore the need for treatment, support, and health equity rather than punitive measures.
Recent posts on various social media platforms indicate public dismay over incidents where pregnant women face harsh legal consequences or incarceration, often for non-violent offenses or health-related issues.
The sentiment reflects a call for change, emphasizing empathy, health support, and legal protections for pregnant women.
These events and reactions illustrate a broader societal and legal challenge regarding how to balance public safety, criminal justice, and the health rights of pregnant individuals.
The outcry suggests a push towards more humane, health-focused approaches in legislation and law enforcement practices concerning pregnant women.
