A Campton woman has been arrested and charged with fetal homicide after allegedly performing an abortion at her home and burying the infant on her property, according to law enforcement officials.
Kentucky State Police report that 35-year-old Melinda S. Spencer, of Campton, was taken into custody after clinic staff notified authorities that a woman had admitted to aborting a pregnancy at home and burying a child. The report states the investigation began at approximately 2:30 p.m. when troopers were contacted by the clinic.
Law enforcement responded to the clinic and conducted an interview with Spencer. According to the arrest citation, Spencer told authorities she had ordered abortion medication online. After taking the medication, a developed male child died. Spencer allegedly stated that she buried the infant in a shallow grave on her property.
Authorities later responded to the residence, where the infant was reportedly located and recovered.
Spencer was arrested and charged with:
Fetal homicide (first degree)
Abuse of a corpse
Tampering with physical evidence
An autopsy has been ordered, and authorities say it will determine the infant’s gestational age.
Kentucky currently has a near-total ban on abortion. Under state law, an abortion may only be performed if the life of the mother is at risk or she would suffer serious, permanent injury. The law provides no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
Spencer was booked in the Three Forks Regional Jail in Lee County.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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