Charges dropped against woman who had miscarriage and disposed of fetus

Charges against Selena Maria Chandler-Scott were dropped after an autopsy confirmed her miscarriage at 19 weeks, which did not violate any criminal law, according to District Attorney Patrick Warren. Chandler-Scott was initially charged with two felony counts after police discovered fetal remains in a dumpster following her miscarriage.

Georgia’s abortion law, which grants personhood to fetuses once a heartbeat is detected, was criticized for contributing to Chandler-Scott’s arrest, said state Sen. Sally Harrell, a Democrat. The case highlights concerns for women in Georgia, with emphasis on the risks of surveillance and restrictions on reproductive health.