Amari Marsh: A Glimpse into Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Gaps

After the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Amari Marsh’s experience has become a clear example of the challenges in reproductive rights, healthcare gaps, and criminalizing pregnancy outcomes. This 23-year-old college student’s ordeal not only shows the personal trauma of losing a pregnancy but also reveals systemic problems in America’s reproductive healthcare, especially for Black women.

What Happened and the Arrest

On March 1, 2023, Amari Marsh had a premature birth in her bathroom during her second trimester. The next day, law enforcement questioned her at the hospital, but she didn’t know she was under investigation. Three months later, she was arrested and charged with murder/homicide by child abuse, facing 20 years to life in prison (CNN).

The arrest warrant claimed she didn’t remove the baby from the toilet as the 911 dispatcher instructed. It also mentioned that the baby had breathing issues due to a maternal chlamydia infection. Marsh spent 22 days in jail without bond before being released to house arrest.

Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Gaps

Amari’s situation is a clear example of how pregnancy can be criminalized, often affecting Black women more. It brings to light the significant gaps in healthcare and reproductive rights in the U.S., especially after the Dobbs decision.

The numbers are alarming: Black women in the U.S. are about three times more likely than white women to die during pregnancy. In South Carolina, where Amari lives, Black women are 67% more likely to face pregnancy-related death. These statistics show a pattern of systemic racism and unequal access to good healthcare.

The Dobbs ruling has made these issues worse, allowing states to pass strict abortion laws that limit access to reproductive healthcare. This has led to a worrisome trend where prosecutors treat pregnant people as suspects, and pregnancy loss becomes suspicious.

Grand Jury’s Decision and What Followed

In a significant turn, a grand jury decided not to indict Amari in August 2024, ending the criminal case against her. Advocates see this as a win for reproductive rights and maternal health (Pregnancy Justice).

Groups like the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network (WREN) and Pregnancy Justice welcomed the decision as a step toward fairer reproductive health policies. However, Amari and her family pointed out the lasting harm caused by the investigation and charges, emphasizing the need for systemic change.

Broader Implications

Amari’s case has caught national attention, influencing talks on reproductive rights, maternal health, and upcoming elections. It has become a rallying point for those pushing for better maternal health support and an end to criminalizing pregnancy outcomes.

Opinions on abortion rights are divided. A recent KFF poll found that 61% of voters support Congress passing a federal law to restore nationwide abortion rights. This shows growing concern over how strict abortion laws affect women’s health and freedom.

The case also points to the wider effects of strict abortion laws on pregnancy outcomes. Research shows that women in states with more restrictive laws are more likely to have poor pregnancy outcomes, like premature births and complications.

The criminalization of pregnancy outcomes is on the rise. Between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 women were arrested or detained for pregnancy-related reasons. Shockingly, 71% of these cases involved women of color, highlighting racial disparities in the legal system’s approach to pregnancy outcomes.

Amari Marsh’s story serves as a strong reminder of the complex issues surrounding reproductive rights, healthcare access, and systemic racism in America. As the nation grapples with these challenges, her experience underscores the urgent need for reform.

FAQ

Q: What is the main issue in Amari Marsh’s case?
A: Her case highlights problems related to reproductive rights, healthcare gaps, and the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes, especially affecting Black women in the U.S.

Q: What happened to Amari on March 1, 2023?
A: She had a premature birth at home and was later questioned by police, leading to her arrest and charges three months later.

Q: What were the charges against her?
A: She was charged with murder/homicide by child abuse, based on claims about her actions during the birth.

Q: What did the grand jury decide?
A: In August 2024, they chose not to indict her, effectively ending the criminal case, which many see as a win for reproductive rights.

Q: How does her case show healthcare disparities?
A: It highlights systemic issues where Black women face higher risks of pregnancy-related deaths, pointing to racial and healthcare inequalities.

Q: What are the effects of strict abortion laws?
A: These laws are linked to worse pregnancy outcomes, like higher rates of premature births and complications, especially in states with severe restrictions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.