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Prosecutors Dismiss Fetal Homicide Charge Against Kentucky Woman Who Took Abortion Pills
Prosecutors dropped the fetal homicide charge citing a legal exemption for pregnant women; Spencer faces other charges including concealing birth and abuse of a corpse.
- At arraignment on Jan. 7, 2026, prosecutors dismissed the fetal homicide count against Melinda Spencer, citing KRS 507A.010 and having no grounds to pursue prosecution.
- Clinic staff told police that Melinda Spencer, 35, said she had taken abortion medication ordered online, prompting Kentucky State Police to respond and arrest her on Jan. 1, 2026.
- Authorities say remaining counts carry penalties including abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence, both Class D felonies with one to five years, and Melinda Spencer's bond is set at $100,000.
- King pledged to prosecute remaining lawful charges fully and fairly, stating `I sought this job with the intention of being a pro-life prosecutor but must do so within the boundariesallowed by the Kentucky State law I'm sworn to defend`,
- This case comes amid Kentucky's near-total abortion ban from 2022, and the ACLU said 'Abortion bans do not stop abortions, they only stop safe abortions.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
The Paducah Sun+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Kentucky prosecutor moves for fetal homicide charge to be dropped in abortion case
An Eastern Kentucky prosecutor is seeking to dismiss a fetal homicide charge against a Wolfe County woman who police said took medicine for an abortion and then buried the fetus in a “shallow grave” near her home.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 33%
C 56%
11%
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