Indiana v. Purvi Patel
Despite extensive public outcry, including petitions to the prosecutor, Purvi Patel was charged with feticide and ͞negligent treatment of a child͟ in Indiana in 2013-14 for allegedly seeking to terminate her pregnancy at home with medication.
Dear Friends and Allies,
Thank you for your commitment to National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW). Whether we met you a few weeks ago or you've been with us for years, you are helping us free women from incarceration, keep families together, and stop forced medical interventions.
On September 20, 2018, feticide and involuntary manslaughter charges were dismissed against Kelli Driskel. In December of 2017, Ms. Driskel went to the emergency room after experiencing a stillbirth at home. An autopsy was later performed on the fetal remains and the cause of death was determined to be placental abruption with "acute methamphetamine intoxication" listed as a contributing factor.
To say that 2017 has been off to an intense start is a gross understatement. We are very proud though of the activism and commitment we are seeing everywhere.
The President-elect has stated that there must be some form of punishment for women who have abortions.
But, National Advocates for Pregnant Women has known for some time that punishing pregnant women - whatever the outcome of their pregnancies - is a present reality, not a hypothetical possibility.
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.
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.
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.
Stand with Purvi Patel on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 2:00PM EST when she will fight her conviction and 20 year sentence in the Indiana Court of Appeals. Let the state of Indiana know you are watching! You can attend oral arguments at the Indiana Court of Appeals, or stream the oral argument live from the court’s website at 2:00PM EST on Monday, May 23.
In July of 2013, Purvi Patel, a 33-year-old Indian-American woman, went to an Indiana emergency room bleeding and seeking help.
A win in New York
On Oct. 22, the New York Court of Appeals reversed the manslaughter conviction of Jennifer Jorgensen.
