Brittany Watts Faces Corpse Abuse Charge After Miscarriage Alleging Unjust Prosecution. Brittany Watts, 33, was charged with abuse of a body after attempting to dispose of a non-viable fetus after a 22-week miscarriage in Warren, Ohio. This case shows how unjust some laws are, especially when applied to vulnerable populations like Black people.
The incident, which unfolded in Watts’ home on September 22, resulted in investigators finding a non-viable fetus stuck in a toilet. Watts, traumatized by the miscarriage, allegedly attempted to flush and plunge the fetus. Forensic pathologist Dr. George Sterbenz testified that the fetus had died before passing through the birth canal, emphasizing its non-viability due to premature ruptured membranes.
Brittany Watts Faces Corpse Abuse Charge After Miscarriage Alleging Unjust Prosecution. “There are better scholars than I am to determine the exact legal status of this fetus/corpse/body/birthing tissue/whatever it is. Matter of fact, I’m assuming most of these Issue 1s are all about at what point something becomes viable.” – Warren Municipal Court Judge Terry Ivanchak, highlighting the legal complexities of the case.
The prosecution argues that Watts’ actions warrant criminal charges, stating that she left the fetus in the toilet, large enough to clog it, and continued with her day. However, the fundamental question emerges: Who did Brittany Watts harm? Her attorney, Traci Timko, rightfully questioned the justification for demonizing Watts, highlighting that she is a 33-year-old woman with no criminal record facing prosecution for something that tragically occurs every day.
Warren Assistant Prosecutor Lewis Guarnieri’s assertion that the issue lies in the act of placing the deceased fetus in the toilet raises concerns about the lack of empathy and understanding of the physical and emotional toll on those who experience miscarriages. Guarnieri’s perspective raises questions about the underlying motivations of the law enforcement officials involved in the case.
In defending Watts, Timko highlighted the arbitrary nature of the law and questioned whether Watts was being prosecuted on behalf of a plumber who had to unclog the toilet. This case underscores the need for prosecutorial discretion, especially when dealing with victimless “crimes” and arbitrary laws that overlook basic human decency.
The judge in the case, Warren Municipal Court Judge Terry Ivanchak, acknowledged the legal complexities but seemed to overlook the forensic pathologist’s testimony regarding the non-viability of the fetus. Ivanchak’s decision to send the case to a grand jury, despite the absence of a clear victim, raises concern about the justice system’s commitment to fairness and empathy.
In situations where a victimless “crime” takes precedence over compassion and understanding, the justice system demonstrates its flaws. The case of Brittany Watts calls attention to the urgent need for reform, highlighting the oppressive and cruel aspects of the legal system, especially when applied to individuals who have already experienced profound trauma.
