Alexia Moore was arrested, charged, and jailed by local police in Camden County, Georgia, near the Florida border. The case is related to an incident that happened on December 30.

In Georgia, abortions are illegal after six weeks of pregnancy. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, many states have introduced strict abortion laws. In some states, people have been charged for having abortions, but it is very rare for someone to face murder charges like in this case.

Moore, who already has two young children, reportedly took abortion medicine at home and later went to Southeast Georgia Health System Camden Campus after feeling severe pain. She told hospital staff that she had taken 200 mg of misoprostol, and a friend said she took the medication because she did not want another child.

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While at the hospital, she gave birth to a premature baby girl who had serious health problems. Police also said Moore had taken an illegal opioid drug. The baby survived for about an hour. Reports suggest the pregnancy was around 22 to 24 weeks.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether prosecutors will move forward with the murder charge.

An advocacy group said the case has no strong legal basis and believes that self-managed abortion is not a crime in Georgia. They also argue that charging her with murder is unfair.

Most legal cases related to abortion laws usually target doctors or providers, not women themselves. Some states are still challenging federal rules that make abortion medications easier to access.