Our thanks to Graham for this BBC piece from last December. He writes, in response to a blog piece we posted earlier today, Princess Margaret ‘left with foetal alcohol syndrome from Queen Mother’s drinking’:

“I wanted to highlight a recent case that underscores a broader point you’ve raised about the significant disparities in accountability between men and women when it comes to pregnancy-related outcomes, particularly abortion.

In the case reported by the BBC, a man named Stuart Worby was sentenced to 12 years in prison for giving a woman abortion pills, resulting in a miscarriage.

While that sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions, what stands out is the contrasting legal treatment of his accomplice, Neuza Cepeda, who actively helped him obtain and supply the abortion pills. Despite admitting to supplying or procuring an instrument to procure a miscarriage, she received a suspended sentence – 22 months, suspended for two years, meaning no jail time.

This case illustrates your point about women’s lack of accountability in matters relating to unborn children. Women are legally allowed to terminate a pregnancy, even through chemical means, with full protection under reproductive rights laws. However, if a man engages in the same act without her consent, the consequences are extreme, even if his genetic contribution to the fetus is equal.

This case serves as a stark example of how accountability and consequences are unequally distributed and reinforces the urgent need for a more balanced, rights conscious conversation around reproductive responsibilities for both men and women.”

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