Brittany Watts’ Miscarriage Ordeal: Delayed Care and Controversial Charges
When Brittany Watts woke up at her Warren, Ohio, home on September 22, 2023, she knew she was experiencing a miscarriage. Her 22-week-old fetus had been declared nonviable by doctors several days prior. However, her ordeal was far from over. In a shocking turn of events, she faced delayed care and controversial charges due to concerns about Ohio’s abortion laws.
Brittany’s Frustration and Delayed Care
After being informed by her doctor that her fetus was unviable, Brittany was sent to Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren Hospital for further care. However, the hospital’s ethics group had concerns about Ohio’s abortion laws and how they applied to her case. As a result, Brittany faced hours of delayed care, leaving her frustrated and begging to be induced. She eventually left the hospital against medical advice and miscarried alone in her own bathroom.
The Controversial Charges and Police Involvement
Upon returning to the hospital for further medical care, Brittany was comforted by a nurse who assured her that everything would be okay. However, unbeknownst to Brittany, the nurse called the police at the direction of the hospital’s risk management team. The police then searched Brittany’s home and found the fetus lodged in the toilet trap. Shockingly, Brittany was charged with abuse of a corpse, a felony charge that was ultimately dismissed by an Ohio grand jury.
Brittany’s Background and Personal Experience
Brittany Watts is a 34-year-old medical receptionist who has lived in Warren, Ohio her entire life. She describes herself as quiet and mild-mannered, preferring to mind her own business. When she discovered she was pregnant, she kept the news to herself, fearing disappointment from her mother. Little did she know that the events that followed would consume her next four months.
The Lengthy Wait and Lack of Answers
Brittany’s experience at Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren Hospital was filled with frustration and a lack of answers. Despite being monitored for eight hours, she felt ignored and left the hospital against medical advice. Upon her return the next day, she was given care but never informed that doctors were waiting for the hospital’s ethics committee to make a decision regarding induction.
Ethics Committee and Concerns about Ohio’s Abortion Laws
The hospital’s ethics committee became involved in Brittany’s case due to concerns about Ohio’s abortion laws. They were hesitant to proceed with induction without receiving approval from the committee. However, Brittany claims she was never informed about the committee’s involvement or the reason for the delay.
The Tragic Miscarriage and Controversial Charges
On September 22, Brittany experienced a traumatic miscarriage in her own bathroom. She cleaned up the blood and tissue, trying to make it appear as if nothing had happened. Unbeknownst to her, the nurse who had comforted her called the police, leading to a search of her home and the discovery of the fetus in the toilet trap. Brittany was charged with abuse of a corpse, a charge that sparked outrage and confusion.
Legal Issues and Definition of a Corpse
Brittany’s attorney argued that the charge of abuse of a corpse was unjustified, considering that the remains were fetal and should be classified as medical waste. The lack of a clear definition of a corpse in Ohio law complicated the case further. Ultimately, the Trumbull County grand jury declined to indict Brittany, leading to the dismissal of the charges.
Moving Forward and Seeking Change
Despite the dismissal of the charges, Brittany’s focus now is on advocating for change and educating people about what to do during miscarriages. She wants to ensure that no other woman has to go through what she experienced. Brittany’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassionate care and the need for clarity in laws surrounding pregnancy outcomes.
In Conclusion
Brittany Watts’ miscarriage ordeal highlights the challenges faced by women dealing with nonviable pregnancies and the complexities of Ohio’s abortion laws. Her delayed care and controversial charges shed light on the need for improved communication between medical professionals, patients, and ethics committees. As Brittany continues to fight for change, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare settings.
