Crack User Sentenced in Fetus’ Death
A woman was convicted Wednesday and sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing her unborn child by using crack cocaine during her pregnancy.
The verdict marks the first time that anyone in the United States has been found guilty of homicide for taking drugs during pregnancy, said an advocate for the defendant, Regina McKnight.
A jury found McKnight, 24, guilty after deliberating for 15 minutes. She could have faced a life sentence. McKnight’s lawyers said they will appeal.
The case opens the door for prosecutors to charge women with neglect under other conditions, such as smoking during pregnancy, said Wyndi Anderson, executive director of the South Carolina Advocates for Pregnant Women.
The state Supreme Court ruled in 1996 that a viable fetus is considered a child and that mothers can be charged with abuse if they took drugs after their unborn child was able to live outside the womb.
McKnight’s baby was stillborn in 1999 at 35 weeks. She has three other children and is two months’ pregnant.
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