A young Mississippi woman is facing trial for murder in the death of her daughter because she was stillborn, Pro Publica reported.
Rennie Gibbs was 16-years-old when she gave birth to Samiya in November 2006. The baby was premature and was dead by the time she left her mother's womb. Gibbs was indicted a year later for "depraved heart murder." A judge is expected to rule this week if Gibbs will stand trial or if the charges will be dismissed.
At the heart of Gibbs' case is whether or not she harmed her daughter through the womb, thus bringing about her death. Investigators initially concluded that Samiya died because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck.
But Mississippi's de facto medical examiner, Steven Hayne, concluded in 2006 that Gibbs' daughter died from "cocaine toxicity." Gibbs allegedly smoked cocaine during her pregnancy. Traces of the drug's byproduct were found in Samiya's blood during the autopsy. The medical examiner ruled Samiya's death a homicide, Pro Publica reported.
Gibbs' alleged actions during her pregnancy were "eminently dangerous to others...regardless of human life," according to state law. As a result, Gibbs "unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously" murdered her daughter, according to the Lowndes County indictment obtained by Pro Publica.
If she is found guilty, Gibbs could be the first woman in Mississippi to be convicted for giving birth to a stillborn, Pro Publica reported. The case is part of a national concern for "fetal pain," where lawmakers are passing legislation to prevent the fetus from experiencing any harm. Last week the South Carolina House approved a bill that bans abortions after 20 weeks because fetuses at that stage are said to be able to feel pain.
Gibbs, who is now 23, faces up to life in prison if she is convicted.
Read Gibbs' full story by Pro Publica here.
