SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
DURHAM, N.C. — An 18-year-old woman faces three felony charges after investigators alleged that she used abortion medication late in pregnancy and subsequently delivered a premature baby at home.
Syeisha Jadan Johnson is charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury on an unborn child, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and negligent child abuse causing serious bodily injury. Elijah Jshaun Speight, 19, the baby’s father, faces one count of negligent child abuse causing serious injury.
According to search warrants cited by WRAL, Johnson learned in June that she was approximately 20 weeks pregnant. Investigators allege that she later obtained abortion medication online and took it several days before giving birth on July 29.
Police estimated that Johnson was approximately 31 weeks pregnant when the 5½-pound baby was delivered into a toilet. Authorities allege that the newborn remained there until emergency responders arrived. First responders detected a pulse, administered aid, and transported the infant to a hospital. The baby was reported in stable condition in the latest publicly available update.
Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry said prosecutors would examine the evidence carefully. Deberry has previously stated that she supports women’s reproductive autonomy and would not prosecute women merely for obtaining abortions.
The case presents unresolved legal questions because Johnson was charged under assault and child-abuse statutes rather than North Carolina’s abortion laws. Her attorneys may challenge whether those statutes apply to alleged conduct during pregnancy.
Johnson and Speight were released after each posted a $1,000 bond. The charges are allegations, and neither defendant has been convicted.
North Carolina generally permits elective abortions through 12 weeks, with later exceptions for certain medical emergencies, rape, incest, and life-limiting fetal conditions.