Congresswoman Beatty Announces Brittany Watts as State of the Union Guest

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03)announced today that Brittany Watts, an Ohio woman unjustly charged with a felony following a miscarriage at home, will be her guest at the State of the Union Address.

Like thousands of other people across the country each year, the 34-year-old medical receptionist miscarried at home. When she sought follow-up care at a hospital, staff reported her to the police. Ms. Watts was subsequently arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, having miscarried a nonviable fetus at home. An Ohio grand jury eventually dropped the charge. However, this came after Ms. Watts endured an interrogation by law enforcement and a police invasion of her home.

Ms. Watts' case underscores a distressing historical trend: people being subjected to criminal investigations, arrests, civil penalties, loss of child custody, and reputational damage due to their pregnancy or pregnancy outcomes. This trend has intensified following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

Earlier this month, leaders of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) and over 150 House Democratic colleagues joined Congresswoman Joyce Beatty’s letter to the Biden-Harris Administration. They urged the Administration to protect Americans from the criminalization of their pregnancies and pregnancy outcomes, following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision.

“Ms. Watts’ unwavering bravery and fierce advocacy for reproductive justice in Ohio and beyond are truly commendable. Her poignant story has resonated with millions, igniting a powerful call for change. I applaud her determination to challenge restrictive laws that endanger the lives of pregnant people.” said Congresswoman Beatty.  “Protecting and expanding reproductive rights are vital to the Biden-Harris Administration's vision for the state of our union.  Ms. Watts' story and voice are essential in shaping that vision,and I am proud to uplift her as my guest to the State of the Union Address.”

As a result of her experience, Ms. Watts has entered the public conversation around reproductive justice led by groups like the National Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, Physicians for Reproductive Health, If/When/How, Pregnancy Justice, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda.

 For media inquiries, please contact Cassandra Johnson at Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov. 

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