Pubdate: Thu, 17 May 2001
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2001 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

CRACK USER SENTENCED IN FETUS' DEATH

CONWAY, S.C.--A woman was convicted Wednesday and sentenced to 12 years in 
prison for killing her unborn child by using crack cocaine during her 
pregnancy.

The verdict marks the first time that anyone in the United States has been 
found guilty of homicide for taking drugs during pregnancy, said an 
advocate for the defendant, Regina McKnight.

A jury found McKnight, 24, guilty after deliberating for 15 minutes. She 
could have faced a life sentence. McKnight's lawyers said they will appeal.

The case opens the door for prosecutors to charge women with neglect under 
other conditions, such as smoking during pregnancy, said Wyndi Anderson, 
executive director of the South Carolina Advocates for Pregnant Women.

The state Supreme Court ruled in 1996 that a viable fetus is considered a 
child and that mothers can be charged with abuse if they took drugs after 
their unborn child was able to live outside the womb.

McKnight's baby was stillborn in 1999 at 35 weeks. She has three other 
children and is two months' pregnant.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager