A North Carolina couple is facing felony charges after an 18-year-old woman gave birth to a baby boy in a toilet and left him there days after she took an abortion drug during her third trimester, according to police.
Background
Syeisha Johnson, 18, allegedly gave birth on July 29 at an apartment in the 2800 block of Ross Road in Durham. First responders were called about a child born prematurely and found the newborn in a toilet with a pulse. The baby was rushed to a hospital, where he continues receiving treatment.
Authorities determined the child was born at 31 weeks. Johnson learned in June that she was about 20 weeks pregnant, police wrote. She allegedly ordered the abortion drug mifepristone online and took it a few days before giving birth while sitting on the toilet.
The Charges
Johnson is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, child abuse, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury on an unborn child. Her boyfriend, 19-year-old Elijah Speight, is charged with negligent child abuse. A warrant states that after the birth, "the child was left in the toilet" and that 911 was called. It also notes, "Mr. Speight stated the medication is located in Ms. Johnson's purse."
In North Carolina, abortion is illegal after 12 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, or a life-limiting anomaly. Johnson claims she did not know she was pregnant until week 20.
Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry said: "I've been on the record, over and over again, saying that I believe a woman has the right to choose and has the right to make decisions about her own body. And we will review the evidence in this case in that light."
Key Takeaways
- Johnson faces three felony charges related to the alleged assault on the unborn child and newborn.
- Speight is charged with negligent child abuse for his role in the incident.
- The baby was born at 31 weeks and found alive in a toilet; he remains hospitalized.
- Police submitted their investigation to the Durham County District Attorney's Office for review.
What's Next
Johnson and Speight were arrested and taken to the Durham County Jail, where they have since posted $1,000 bonds. They are scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 26.