Defending Against the Criminalization of Pregnancy Outcomes

Even before the Supreme Court’s decision in Jackson Women’s Health Organization, women were regularly prosecuted for conduct related to their pregnancies and for the outcome of those pregnancies. Prosecutors around the country regularly charge women with any number of offenses based on stillbirth, miscarriage, prenatal drug use, and perinatal death. These prosecutions have only become more common since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and require defense by knowledgeable practitioners.

Attendees will learn what types of cases are common throughout the United States and develop a toolbox of legal defenses and practical strategies to benefit clients targeted based on their pregnancy related conduct or the outcome of their pregnancy.

This course is ideal for attorneys seeking to learn more about criminal defense or civil rights.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the nature and prevalence of pregnancy criminalization occurring throughout the United States
• Differentiate the criminalization of pregnancy related conduct and pregnancy outcomes from the right to an abortion
• Develop strategies to mount a successful defense on behalf of a client charged with a pregnancy-related offense

Production Date: 8/20/2024