The overturning of Roe v. Wade was one of the most significant Supreme Court decisions in modern U.S. history, allowing each state to set its own policy on abortion after nearly 50 years. Over in South Carolina, abortions are banned after fetal cardiac activity is detected — typically around six weeks of pregnancy and oftentimes before a woman knows she’s with child. And now, one S.C. woman who allegedly tried to terminate her pregnancy has been charged with attempted murder.
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The Rock Hill Police Department began investigating 20-year-old Jocelyn Byrum on Nov. 12 after emergency medical services received a call that Byrum experienced a miscarriage. Upon officers arrival, Byrum reportedly admitted she had taken a “uterine contraction drug” to induce labor with the intention to terminate her pregnancy, according to local news station WIS 10. She was 27 weeks pregnant.
Police said Byrum did not render any aid to her newborn daughter after giving birth. The newborn was later found alive in a toilet, The Herald reported. Byrum is also accused of taking pictures of the baby and sending them to family members, RHPD Detective Tayler Englert said in court.
Investigators said they “discovered Byrum knew she was further along in her pregnancy and willingly took the medicine as she did not wish to have the child.” She also allegedly searched for abortion pill information online, Englert said.
Her newborn was taken to a hospital, the outlet reported, and is currently in critical condition. Police say the babygirl was also placed into emergency S.C. Department of Social Services custody.
A warrant was issued for Byrum’s arrest and five days later, she was taken to jail. But that’s not all.
She was charged with attempted murder and unlawful neglect of a child. Byrum’s bond was denied during a hearing on Nov. 18, where she also cried out, “Oh no.” If convicted of attempted murder, she faces up to 30 years in prison, and 10 years if found guilty of unlawful neglect.
Per South Carolina law, abortions are outlawed after the fetus’ cardiac activity is detected as early as five and a half weeks. The few exceptions allowed— only up to 12 weeks of pregnancy that is— include victims of incest and rape, fatal fetal anomalies and medical emergencies that threatens the pregnant mother’s life.
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