Caroline Kitchener, a Washington Post reporter, delves into the haunting story of Patience Frazier, who faced manslaughter charges under a century-old abortion law after a miscarriage. Frazier's plight reveals the daunting legal complexities surrounding reproductive rights. Jacqueline Mitchum, a sheriff's deputy, shares her emotional conflicts during the investigation. The discussion highlights the broader implications of prosecuting women in a post-Roe landscape, illuminating the intersection of personal tragedy and systemic injustice.
Patience Frazier's case exemplifies the harsh realities of outdated abortion laws and their unexpected consequences on women experiencing miscarriage.
The podcast underscores the significant barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare that many women face, even in states where abortion is legal.
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The Story of Patience Frazier's Prosecution
The podcast narrates the case of Patience Frazier, a woman who faced prosecution for a miscarriage that occurred in 2018, highlighting the complexities surrounding abortion laws. Following the miscarriage, the police were alerted due to a Facebook post expressing her distress, which ultimately led to her arrest and charges based on an old law prohibiting self-managed abortions. Instead of a straightforward abortion law, the legal focus shifted to various statutes, including a nearly century-old law in Nevada, complicating an already tragic situation. This case unveils how certain legislative frameworks can lead to unexpected consequences for women in crisis.
Challenges of Accessing Abortion Services
Patience experienced significant barriers when trying to access abortion services, as logistical issues hindered her ability to reach a clinic. Living two and a half hours away without a functioning car and lacking support for transportation forced her to resort to self-managed means to terminate her pregnancy. Despite abortion being legal in Nevada at the time, her situation illustrates the growing concerns surrounding accessibility to reproductive healthcare, especially in a post-Roe America. As similar stories unfold across the country, many worry that increased restrictions could lead more individuals to take desperate measures in private.
The Aftermath and Legal Ramifications
Ultimately, Patience Frazier pleaded guilty to charges related to her self-managed abortion, driven by the desire to resolve the legal turmoil quickly and return to her children. This decision was influenced by her public defender's plea deal, which promised probation and minimal jail time, contrasting sharply with the lengthy prison sentence she eventually received. The case reflects numerous challenges within the legal system regarding how intentions and actions surrounding pregnancy are prosecuted, raising questions about fairness and justice. After her conviction was challenged due to inadequate representation, she was released, but the emotional and practical effects of her experience continue to resonate.
Patience Frazier said she had a miscarriage in April 2018. A month later, police were at her door, asking about a Facebook post and a cross in her backyard. Today, the story of Frazier, and what happens when someone is prosecuted under an abortion law.
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Patience Frazier was charged with manslaughter under an abortion law from 1911. It was a rare instance of a woman who sought an abortion facing prosecution.
Host Martine Powers is joined by reporter Caroline Kitchener to talk about Frazier’s story, the aftermath of her arrest, and the sheriff’s deputy who pushed for her prosecution.
Today’s episode was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, and edited by Reena Flores. It was mixed by Ted Muldoon.
Thanks to Peter Wallsten, Bishop Sand and Lucas Trevor.