By Steven Allen Adams, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
CHARLESTON — An organization representing prosecuting attorneys across West Virginia sent a clear message that women who suffer miscarriages do not need to contact law enforcement or fear criminal prosecution despite the claims of a Southern West Virginia prosecutor.
In a press release Monday, the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Association said miscarriages should not incur criminal liability.
“The West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Association wishes to clarify that recent public statements made regarding this subject do not reflect the consensus, official position or legal interpretation of the association, its officers, board members or members of its Legislative Committee,” Tyler County Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee, president of the association, said.
The statement from the association comes following comments made in recent weeks by Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Truman, who claimed in media interviews that women could face potential criminal charges if they do not inform law enforcement of miscarriages.
“Call your doctor. Call law enforcement, or 911, and just say, ‘I miscarried. I want you to know,’” Truman said to WVNS-TV in a June 2 interview.
