A Warren woman was charged with felony abuse of a corpse after miscarrying a non-viable fetus. Now, the organization behind the movement to protect abortion rights in Ohio is calling for those charges to be dropped.

In a letter dated December 15th, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights (OPRR) called on Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins to not pursue a criminal indictment against 33-year-old Brittany Watts.

The charges came after Watts went to Mercy Health - St. Joseph Warren Hospital for treatment following a miscarriage at 22 weeks. A nurse at the hospital called police, who then went to Watts' home on Todd Avenue in search of fetal remains.

In early October, police issued a warrant for Watts' arrest. She was charged with one count of felony abuse of a corpse.

The letter to Prosecutor Watkins states in part:

"We write today to add the voices of more than 4,000 doctors, healthcare professionals, business and community leaders, and concerned citizens to the rapidly growing chorus protesting the unjust prosecution of Brittany Watts and to request that you immediately dismiss the unwarranted felony…charge that has been filed against her.
As citizens, we are outraged that the criminal justice system is being used to punish Ms. Watts who, like thousands of women each year, spontaneously miscarried a non-viable fetus…
As physicians we are deeply concerned that your actions will deter women who miscarry from obtaining the medical attention they need and deserve… We have no doubt that women facing the threat of jail time and hefty fines will conceal the fact that they have miscarried and refuse to seek treatment. That means the continued prosecution of Ms. Watts will place the lives and health of those women at risk."

After a November hearing, Warren Municipal Court Judge Terry Ivanchak allowed the case to be bound over to Grand Jury.

OPRR sent the letter to Warren Mayor Dough Franklin, Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa, and Warren City Council asking for them to join in calling for Prosecutor Watkins to "end [the] unjust prosecution" against Watts.

"Prosecutor Watkins has the opportunity to be the first law enforcement official to do the right thing since this incident began," said OPRR Executive Director Dr. Lauren Beene. "It's an opportunity he should seize immediately."