West Virginia Prosecutors Reject Miscarriage Criminal Charge Claims

Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Truman warned that women in West Virginia who miscarry could potentially face criminal charges under state laws related to the disposal of human remains, advising women to notify law enforcement to protect themselves. However, the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Association (WVPAA), led by President Luke Furbee, strongly refuted this interpretation, clarifying that no such prosecutions are supported by West Virginia law and that miscarriage should not trigger criminal liability. The WVPAA emphasized that Truman's views do not reflect a consensus among prosecutors statewide and that the topic has not been widely discussed or pursued. Medical experts and advocacy groups highlighted the emotional burden of miscarriages and stressed that women should not feel guilt or fear prosecution. Media coverage noted that while some instances of miscarriage-related charges have occurred nationally, West Virginia law does not currently support prosecuting women for miscarriage-related events. This controversy underscores the ongoing tensions and confusion surrounding reproductive rights and legal interpretations in the post-Roe era within the state.