UK Court to Rule on Landmark ‘Pregnancy Crime’ Case

A British court is to rule on whether a woman committed a “crime of violence” against her child by drinking heavily during pregnancy, in a case that has raised concerns about criminalising mothers.

A local authority is applying to the government’s criminal compensation authority for damages on behalf of a seven-year-old girl in its care who has severe alcohol-related disabilities.

Its lawyers have told the Court of Appeal that her mother was “reckless” in her behaviour by drinking up to half a bottle of vodka and eight cans of strong lager a day while she was pregnant.

While they do not suggest the damage was deliberate, they say she discussed her drinking with professionals and “went on to take the risk”.

The case, in which a ruling is expected next week, has sparked heated debate over the dangers of alcohol and the rights of women and foetuses in a country where abortion has been legal since 1967.

Women’s rights groups have warned that it risks opening the door to police action against pregnant women as is increasingly happening in the United States.

– 80 cases waiting in the wings –

However, some commentators say it is a no-brainer.

The Court of Appeal judgement will cap a five-year legal battle between the council and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

CICA considers applications for damages involving behaviour that could constitute a crime, in this case the alleged reckless administration of a noxious substance to the foetus.

In the latest stage of the proceedings in December, a judge ruled in CICA’s favour and said the foetus was not a person until birth and could not be a victim of crime.

This ruling is now being appealed, with 80 similar claims for compensation waiting on the outcome.

Neil Sugarman, one of the plaintiff’s lawyers, denies the case could move Britain closer to prosecuting pregnant women.

But he acknowledged the whole issue was “fraught” with complications, not least because drinking alcohol in itself is not a crime.

– ‘Would I have stopped drinking?’ –

The girl, known only as CP, has a severe form of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), an umbrella term which covers a range of disorders varying from reduced intellectual ability to heart and kidney problems.

But campaigners say it remains misunderstood and the British government’s advice on drinking in pregnancy has been accused of being contradictory.

Linda, a 49-year-old from London, was drinking eight or nine cans of lager a day when she was pregnant with her two eldest children, both in their 20s now.

She had only heard about FASD in passing and says she was offered no support to give up alcohol.

Her first daughter was fine but her second was born with the telltale distorted facial features and now has trouble socialising, controlling her temper and concentrating.

She opposes criminalising pregnant mothers, but acknowledges that some custodial rehabilitation might have helped her.