Pubdate: Wed, 08 Sep 2004
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
04dntexmom.4bbf5.html
Copyright: 2004 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Associated Press

WOMAN GUILTY OF DELIVERING CRACK TO HER UNBORN SON

AMARILLO - A woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to delivering crack to her unborn
son, avoiding trial in a case that could determine the boundaries of a state
law intended to protect the unborn.

As part of her plea agreement, Tracy Ward, 30, retained her right to appeal,
said her attorney, Joe Dawson. The deal averted trial over the question of
whether a mother's actions can be prosecuted under a law that classifies a
fetus as an individual.

Ms. Ward, who admitted smoking crack cocaine in the days leading up to her
son's birth in early November, will be sentenced Wednesday.

She faces between two and 20 years in prison on the second-degree felony
charge of delivery of a controlled substance to a child.

Mr. Dawson said he has requested probation and intensive drug treatment.
"She hopes the judge grants her the help she needs," Mr. Dawson said.

The plea deal came the day trial was scheduled to begin.

Ms. Ward was charged after her son, Roger, tested positive for cocaine. She
admitted to paramedics that she had smoked crack cocaine within an hour of
calling for an ambulance to report problems with her pregnancy in October.
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