Kentucky woman charged with fetal homicide after alleged abortion, burial of child

WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WKRC) — A Kentucky woman was taken into custody after allegedly having an abortion at her home.

According to WKYT, 35-year-old Melinda S. Spencer of Campton, Kentucky, was placed under arrest after she informed clinic staff that she had aborted her pregnancy at home and buried a child on her property.

The report states that an investigation was launched at approximately 2:30 p.m. after the Kentucky State Police were notified by clinic staff that a woman had admitted to aborting a pregnancy at her home and burying a child. Law enforcement responded to the clinic, and during an interview with the suspect, Spencer reportedly said she had ordered medication online to complete the abortion.

After taking the medication, a developed child, a boy, died, WKYT reported. Spencer allegedly told authorities that she buried the child in a shallow grave on her property. Law enforcement was able to locate and recover the infant, according to the station’s report.

Spencer was arrested and charged with the following, per WKYT:

• Fetal homicide (first degree)

• Abuse of a corpse

• Tampering with evidence

According to WKYT, an autopsy will determine the child’s gestational age. The investigation remains ongoing.

Spencer told reporters with WKYT that she has been advised not to speak with the media at this time.

The state of Kentucky has a near-total ban on abortion. A doctor may perform an abortion only if the mother would die or be critically injured in connection with a pregnancy. There are no exceptions for incest or rape.

There is currently no law in Kentucky that forbids traveling to another state for abortion care.