Nevada Pays $100K to Woman Jailed for Miscarriage
Nevada’s unique law, criminalizing the use of drugs to end a pregnancy after 24 weeks, is the sole statute of its kind in the nation. This law led to the conviction of Patience Rousseau, whose case has now concluded with a $100,000 settlement from the state for her ordeal. Rousseau’s conviction, initially for felony manslaughter under the 1911 statute, was vacated due to ineffective counsel, highlighting the law’s punitive nature toward women. Advocates argue this Nevada law is uniquely harsh, with other states typically penalizing medical providers rather than pregnant individuals themselves for late-term abortions.
John Q. Hosedrinker