New York, May 18, 2017—Three weeks ago, the federal court struck down a Wisconsin law authorizing the detention, forced treatment, and incarceration of pregnant women as unconstitutional. The law allowed the state to seize control of women, detain them in jail or other locked facilities, and force them to submit to unconsented to and inappropriate treatment if they are pregnant and use – or even disclose past use of – any amount of alcohol or a controlled substance.
NAPW Fights to Preserve Court Victory Striking Down “Unborn Child Protection” Law
Federal Court Declares Wisconsin “Unborn Child Protection” Law Unconstitutional: Law permitting forced treatment and detention of pregnant women is struck down, effective immediately
On Friday evening, April 28, 2017, a federal court in Wisconsin struck down a state law authorizing the detention, forced treatment, and incarceration of pregnant women as unconstitutional.
All Charges Dropped for Georgia Woman Prosecuted for Abortion: Drug Possession Charge Remained for Almost a Year After Prosecutor Dropped Murder Charge
In long-awaited court action, all charges were finally dismissed against Kenlissia Jones, the African-American Georgia woman who had been arrested based on the claim that she had used medication she obtained online to terminate a pregnancy. National Advocates for Pregnant Women, a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization, provided substantial legal assistance to Ms. Jones and her criminal defense lawyer.
Please Act Now – Save the ACA and Medicaid: Health Care is a Human Right
Last week President Trump and the Republican Party released their plan (Trumpcare) to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Their plan guts the ACA, slashes Medicaid, and will result in 52 million people being uninsured over the next 10 years.
Anna Yocca in TN Pleads Guilty Despite Unconstitutionality of the Charge
On January 9, 2017 Anna Yocca of Tennessee pleaded guilty to attempted procurement of a miscarriage a class E Felony, in exchange for her immediate release from jail.
Her case dates back to December 8, 2015, when Tennessee prosecutors indicted Ms. Yocca for attempted first degree murder based on the claim that she had used a coat hanger in an attempt to terminate her approximately 24 week pregnancy.
Vote November 8th to ensure respect for pregnant women
On Tuesday, November 8th we hope that you will vote. When you do, please keep these facts in mind:
1. Women already face punishment for having and attempting to have abortions
On August 31, 2016, Purvi Patel finally walked out of the Indiana Women's Prison, after fighting a conviction and 20-year sentence for attempting to have an abortion.
NAPW Achieving Justice in These Unjust Times
Despite national and international developments that make many of us feel less than hopeful, NAPW has had a number of victories that remind us of the need to celebrate the accomplishments we have had.
Purvi Patel’s Conviction For Feticide Overturned
Indiana Court of Appeals Rules that Legislature Did Not Intend to Punish Women Who Have Abortions
Patel’s Conviction for Neglect of a Dependent Modified, Reducing Her Sentence
On July 22, 2016, the Indiana Court of Appeals announced its decision to overturn the conviction of Purvi Patel for the crime of feticide.
NAPW Statement Celebrating SCOTUS Decision Protecting Pregnant Women
In an important victory, the U.S. Supreme Court today struck down provisions of a Texas anti-abortion law that threatened the health and humanity of pregnant women. National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW) with the NYU School of Law Reproductive Justice Clinic filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief on behalf of 14 organizations, arguing that if upheld, the Texas law would prevent some women from having an abortion; force others to have abortions outside of safe medical settings; and make those who do so potential targets for arrest and prosecution.
NAPW response to Reuters investigation of reporting of drug use, child welfare and infant deaths
NAPW response to Reuters investigation of reporting of drug use, child welfare and infant deaths
December 14, 2015
Read full response here.