Women Are Being Imprisoned for Miscarriage.
Miscarriage Is Not a Crime
Across the U.S., a disturbing trend is emerging: more women are being imprisoned for miscarriage. This means people are being arrested, investigated, or even charged after losing a pregnancy, often with no evidence of wrongdoing. It’s a miscarriage of justice on every level.
What’s Behind These Charges?
As abortion bans grow stricter, the line between miscarriage and abortion is being blurred—sometimes intentionally. In some cases, women have been criminalized after seeking medical help for a pregnancy loss. In other cases, prosecutors have used outdated or vague laws to question a person’s behavior during pregnancy, such as substance use or not seeking prenatal care.
Real People, Real Consequences
Stories from states like Alabama, Oklahoma, and California reveal people being jailed, charged with manslaughter, or denied medical care after a miscarriage. In many cases, they’re left to navigate a hostile legal system while grieving a personal loss.
Why This Matters
Miscarriage is common—1 in 4 pregnancies end this way. Criminalizing it sets a dangerous precedent, especially for people already facing barriers to care. It adds fear, shame, and surveillance to a harrowing experience.
Protecting Your Rights
If you’re pregnant and unsure of your legal protections, seek care from a clinic that understands the risks and your rights. We’re here to help.
Explore our abortion care page or read our blog on emergency contraception to learn more.
