Turned My Whole Life Upside Down’: South Carolina Woman Charged with Murder After Giving Birth to Baby Prematurely On Toilet

Atlanta Black Star, By Jill Jordan Sieder , on September 24, 2024

The conversation focuses on the case of Mary Marsh, a young Black woman from South Carolina who was charged with murder after the loss of her pregnancy. This tragic event unfolded in March 2023, and Marsh, just 23 years old, was accused of failing to save her newborn after giving birth in a bathroom. This incident brings to light the severe consequences of today's reproductive laws, which increasingly criminalize women over the outcomes of their pregnancies. The case is seen as a reflection of the systemic issues in healthcare that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially Black women.

The discussion highlights the broader impact of abortion bans and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which has escalated the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. These restrictive laws create an environment where women fear seeking medical care during pregnancy, knowing that any complications or losses might lead to legal consequences. Black women, in particular, are often the most vulnerable in these situations, already grappling with healthcare disparities and higher maternal mortality rates. The speakers emphasize how society’s expectations of pregnancy outcomes are often unrealistic, and yet, when complications arise, these women are treated with suspicion instead of care.

While some claim that these types of cases are unrelated to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the speakers argue that the rollback of reproductive rights has made pregnancy itself a legally precarious condition. Women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are increasingly exposed to legal risks simply for being pregnant. The fear of criminal charges discourages women from seeking medical help, further exacerbating the already severe gaps in healthcare access and outcomes for women of color.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.43.2 featuring  Kara Griffin, AJ and Infidel64 

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