Brittany Watts, a brave Ohio woman, is speaking out about her traumatic experience of being arrested after having a miscarriage in her own bathroom. In an exclusive interview with CBS Mornings, she shares her story and hopes to prevent any woman from going through the same ordeal she endured.
A Heartbreaking Experience
Brittany Watts, 34, recalls the events that unfolded last year when she tragically lost her pregnancy. Authorities became involved after a hospital nurse, whom she sought help from, called the police. However, earlier this month, an Ohio grand jury dismissed the charges against her.
A Night of Uncertainty
On September 19, Brittney was 21 weeks and five days pregnant when she noticed an uncomfortable fluid leaking. Her OB-GYN informed her that her pregnancy was nonviable. She was then taken by ambulance to Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital. There, she waited anxiously for hours, hoping for medical attention. Despite repeatedly asking about her condition, the answers were always the same – they were still waiting.
Feeling Ignored
Frustration engulfed Brittany as she waited for at least eight hours without any updates. She decided to leave the hospital against medical advice, fully aware of the risks involved. She returned the next day for a labor induction but waited for another 11 hours, only to leave again without it.
Misunderstanding and Allegations
The situation took a turn when the hospital staff reported concerns about Brittany using the word “abortion” during discussions about her care. Her case was referred to Mercy Health’s ethics committee. However, Brittany states that she never expressed a desire to terminate her pregnancy. In Ohio, abortions after 22 weeks are prohibited, except in cases of life-saving care.
A Tragic Miscarriage
While anxiously awaiting a decision about the induction, Brittany’s health became a source of concern. Two days after leaving the hospital for the second time, she suffered a miscarriage. Upon her third arrival at the hospital in the midst of her miscarriage, a nurse reassured her that everything would be okay. However, unbeknownst to Brittany, the nurse secretly contacted the police. The nurse alleged that Brittany didn’t want to look at the fetus, which Brittany vehemently denies.
Unjust Arrest
To Brittany’s disbelief, she was arrested several days later on charges of abusing a corpse. This charge, a fifth-degree felony, carries a potential prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500. The Warren Police, who made the arrest, have not provided any comment at this time.
Seeking Justice and Change
Fortunately, on January 11, an Ohio grand jury decided not to indict Brittany. Her attorney, Traci Timko, believes that she was unjustly targeted due to her race and the hospital’s mishandling of the situation. Brittany emphasizes that there are currently no regulations to guide women who find themselves in similar situations. She is now determined to advocate for changes in the law to protect women who experience miscarriages.
Brittany Watts’ story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by women during the unimaginable loss of a pregnancy. Her determination to seek justice and bring about change serves as an inspiration to us all.
To learn more about Brittany Watts’ story, visit F5mag.com.