A woman in South Carolina is facing serious charges after trying to terminate her pregnancy. Jocelyn Byrum knew that she didn’t want to be pregnant anymore, and she took matters into her own hands. Because she was already in her third trimester, however, her actions come with serious consequences. Although her exact motive for ending her pregnancy hasn’t been revealed, her case highlights what happens when states have restrictive abortion laws.
A 911 call about a woman who had a miscarriage was made on November 12, 2025, WYFF reported. When members of the Rock Hill Police Department arrived at the home along with EMS, 20-year-old Byrum told them she took medication with the intention of inducing labor to end her pregnancy. She was 27 weeks pregnant.
Police said the young woman didn’t render any aid to the newborn after the birth. She also failed to call EMS.
EMS workers began lifesaving aid on the newborn before taking the baby to the hospital for treatment, per WYFF. The baby was listed in critical condition following its birth.
Jocelyn Byrum was arrested and taken into police custody on November 17, 2025, WISTV reported. She was charged with attempted murder and unlawful neglect of a child. In a statement announcing her arrest, officers said they “discovered Byrum knew she was further along in her pregnancy and willingly took the medicine as she did not wish to have the child.”
Abortion is outlawed after a fetal heartbeat is detected around six weeks of gestation, South Carolina law states, per WISTV. Exceptions are made up to 12 weeks under special circumstances such as rape or incest. Pregnancies that show fatal fetal anomalies also are considered eligible for termination, as well as cases where the mother’s life is in danger.
Byrum is being held without bond.
