Man charged with fetal homicide accused of spiking drink with RU-486

Published: 2007-12-24

KAUKAUNA, Wis. (CNS) -- A Wisconsin man accused of causing his pregnant girlfriend's abortion by spiking her drink with RU-486 is being prosecuted under the Wisconsin fetal homicide law that classifies unborn children as potential crime victims. Manishkumar Patel of Kaukauna, free on a $750,000 cash bond, was awaiting a Jan. 30 preliminary hearing in Outagamie County. "In charging Patel with attempted homicide, Outagamie County law enforcement is simply using common sense," said Peggy Hamill, state director of Pro-Life Wisconsin. "All preborn children deserve equal protection under the law, without exception," she added. "Ironically, under Wisconsin law, if the woman had taken RU-486 by her own hand, there could be no charges. God willing, more law enforcement officials will work to protect the lives of preborn children in our state, wanted or unwanted." "Without Wisconsin's fetal homicide law, there would be no basis on which to charge Patel in the death of the child," said Susan Armacost, legislative director of Wisconsin Right to Life, in a press release. The mother of the unborn child in the case is Dr. Darshana Patel, a family physician from Kaukauna who is not related to the accused. Both Patels are from India; Patel is a common Indian name.

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