Deborah Archer President at American Civil Liberties Union | Official website
The Maryland Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of Moira Akers, who was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison after being charged with murder following a traumatic stillbirth. The court ruled that evidence used against her, including her internet search history about pregnancy termination and lack of prenatal care, was inadmissible.
Despite abortion being legal in Maryland, prosecutors argued that Akers' actions suggested an intent to commit a crime. However, the court found this evidence irrelevant to whether she intended harm, leading to the reversal of her conviction.
David Rocah, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Maryland, stated: "The Maryland Supreme Court’s ruling overturning this wrongful conviction and striking evidence of Moira’s attempt to inform herself about her options during her pregnancy is a victory for both Moira Akers and the people of Maryland, who affirmed the state constitutional right to an abortion at the ballot box just last year."
Lauren Johnson from the ACLU's Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative also commented: "We’re glad the court set this important precedent for abortion rights in Maryland and reversed Moira’s conviction. It was the right decision, though Moira should have never been put in this position by the state."
Both statements emphasized that even states with strong abortion protections are not immune from prosecutorial overreach. The ACLU reiterated its commitment to defending reproductive freedom nationwide.
