Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Neoma

(10,039 posts)
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 03:39 PM Apr 2012

The Criminalization of Bad Mothers

(sic)
Kimbrough talked about her arrest following the death of her third child, Timmy Jr. Born premature at 25 weeks on April 29, 2008, Timmy Jr. weighed 2 pounds 1 ounce, and lived only 19 minutes. When Kimbrough tested positive for methamphetamine, her two daughters were swiftly removed from her custody, and for 90 days, she was allowed only supervised visits. Social services mandated parenting classes and drug treatment.

That would have been a typical response in most places, but Alabama is different. Six months after Timmy Jr.’s death, the district attorney in Colbert County charged Kimbrough with chemical endangerment of a child, a Class A felony (because the infant died) that carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years to life. She turned herself in, and bail was set at $250,000. At the trial, the state completed its case in two days. On the advice of her lawyer, Kimbrough then pleaded guilty and received the minimum sentence of 10 years.

According to Kyle Brown, the chief assistant district attorney in the case, Kimbrough might have received far more time if a jury had found her guilty. “She caused the death of another person,” Angela Hulsey, an assistant district attorney on the case, said, “a person that will never have the chance to go to school, go to the prom, get married, have children of their own. You’re dealing with the most innocent of victims.”

More here.
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Criminalization of Bad Mothers (Original Post) Neoma Apr 2012 OP
The end goal is criminalizing abortion. JoeyT Apr 2012 #1
The end goal is religio/political oversight of womens sexuality and childbearing. WingDinger Apr 2012 #2
Good point. JoeyT Apr 2012 #3

JoeyT

(6,785 posts)
1. The end goal is criminalizing abortion.
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 04:08 PM
Apr 2012

If they have to crush a bunch of random women to do it, then it doesn't bother them in the least. (Given the people that push these kinds of laws, it's probably considered a bonus.)

JoeyT

(6,785 posts)
3. Good point.
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 10:52 PM
Apr 2012

You're right, the end goal is quite a bit beyond abortion. That's only one of the many choices they want to strip women of.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Feminists»The Criminalization of Ba...