South Carolina court rules fetus can be called abuse victim

July 16, 1996
Web posted at: 2:00 p.m. EDT

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) -- The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled Monday that pregnant women on drugs can be prosecuted for child abuse.

In a 3-2 decision, the court determined that previous court rulings and state law make clear that a healthy fetus is a person.

Supporters say the ruling will discourage women from using harmful drugs, while critics say it will discourage pregnant addicts from seeking help.

An appeal is planned.