Citation

Annas GJ. Hastings Cent. Rep. 1986; 16(6): 13-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Institute of Society, Ethics and the Life Sciences)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3804722

Abstract

When Mrs. Pamela Monson was charged under a California child support statute following the death of her newborn son, she became the first woman to be criminally prosecuted for acts and omissions during pregnancy. As a result of her not having followed her doctor's advice, her son was born with massive brain damage and died a few weeks later. Annas contends that the crime of "fetal neglect" has serious implications for pregnant women who may lose their rights, suffer invasion of privacy, and even be forced to submit to unwanted medical or surgical procedures. A mother's obligations to the fetus should not be construed to allow the state to regulate her lifestyle; the state should protect fetuses by improving the welfare and opportunities of pregnant women, not by oppressing them.

Language: en