On March 21, 2025, a 24-year-old woman in Tifton, Georgia, was arrested after experiencing a miscarriage at 19 weeks. Authorities charged her with concealing the death of another person and abandonment of a dead body. Reproductive health experts have expressed alarm, viewing these charges as inappropriate and indicative of a troubling trend toward the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. This incident marks a significant application of Georgia’s fetal-personhood law, which grants legal rights to fetuses. Critics argue that prosecuting individuals for miscarriage or improper disposal of fetal remains is both cruel and unjust, potentially deterring pregnant individuals from seeking necessary medical care. Legal advocates contend that such cases foster fear and stigma without enhancing public safety.
Updated April 4, 2025: District Attorney Patrick Warren announced that all charges have been dropped against 24-year-old Tifton woman Selena Chandler-Scott, who was arrested after disposing of fetal remains following a miscarriage.
After a full review of the Tifton Police Department’s investigation, medical examiner’s findings, and Georgia law, Warren determined prosecution was not legally justified. The medical report confirmed the fetus was about 19 weeks old, non-viable, and had never taken a breath outside the womb—making it not legally recognized as a person under Georgia law for the purposes of the charges filed.
Chandler-Scott had been charged with concealing a death and abandoning a dead body, but both charges require that the deceased was a person who had lived independently of their mother. Since that was not the case, Warren stated no criminal law had been violated.
Warren emphasized the emotional difficulty of the case but underscored that legal decisions must be based on facts and law, not feelings. He acknowledged the pain felt by the community and the professionalism of the officers involved, while urging compassion and thoughtful consideration in such sensitive situations. He added that while the case is closed, it could be revisited if new evidence arises.
Why a Georgia Woman’s Arrest After Miscarriage Is Disturbing