WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. — Melinda Spencer, 35, of Wolfe County, has been charged with fetal homicide after police say she admitted to terminating her pregnancy at home.
Kentucky State Police arrested Spencer on charges of first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.
The investigation began Wednesday after a clinic in Campton reported that Spencer disclosed having performed a home abortion. During interviews at the clinic, Spencer told authorities that she had ordered medication online to terminate the pregnancy.
Police say the medication resulted in the death of a developed male infant, whom Spencer then buried in a shallow grave on her property. Troopers confirmed the infant’s presence at the location described by Spencer.
Kentucky currently has a near-total ban on abortion, though the law does not prohibit traveling out of state for abortion care. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
