Rock Hill, South Carolina, November 20, 2025
Jocelyn Byrum, a 20-year-old from Rock Hill, South Carolina, has been charged with attempted murder and unlawful neglect after allegedly trying to self-terminate her 27-week pregnancy. Following a police investigation, it was revealed that she self-administered labor-inducing medication without seeking medical help for her newborn, who is currently in critical condition. South Carolina law prohibits abortions after six weeks except under certain circumstances, placing Byrum’s actions outside of legal exceptions.
Rock Hill, South Carolina
A 20-Year-Old Faces Serious Charges for Attempted Feticide
20-year-old Jocelyn Byrum has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and unlawful neglect of a child after allegedly attempting to terminate her 27-week pregnancy by self-administering labor-inducing medication and failing to seek medical assistance for the newborn.
Details of the Incident
The Rock Hill Police Department initiated an investigation on November 12 following a call to assist emergency medical services, where a caller reported that Byrum had experienced a miscarriage. Upon arrival, officers learned that Byrum had taken medication intended to induce labor, aiming to terminate her pregnancy. She also reportedly did not provide any aid or contact emergency services for the newborn after giving birth. The infant was transported to a hospital and was last reported to be in critical condition. Byrum was arrested on November 17 and denied bond during a hearing on November 18.
Legal Context
Under South Carolina law, abortions are prohibited after cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks into a pregnancy. Exceptions are permitted up to 12 weeks in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies, or threats to the mother’s life. Byrum’s actions, occurring at 27 weeks, fall outside these exceptions, leading to the charges against her.
Background on Similar Cases
Instances of women facing legal consequences for attempting to terminate their pregnancies have occurred in other states. For example, in 2019, Marshae Jones was charged with manslaughter in Alabama after being shot while pregnant, resulting in a miscarriage. The charges were later dismissed, but the case highlighted the complexities surrounding legal interpretations of pregnancy-related incidents. Additionally, in 2011, Bei Bei Shuai was charged with murder and attempted feticide in Indiana after a suicide attempt led to the death of her fetus. These cases underscore the ongoing debates and legal challenges related to reproductive rights and the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has Jocelyn Byrum faced?
Jocelyn Byrum has been charged with attempted murder and unlawful neglect of a child after allegedly attempting to terminate her 27-week pregnancy by self-administering labor-inducing medication and failing to seek medical assistance for the newborn.
What is the legal context in South Carolina regarding abortion?
Under South Carolina law, abortions are prohibited after cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks into a pregnancy. Exceptions are permitted up to 12 weeks in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies, or threats to the mother’s life. Byrum’s actions, occurring at 27 weeks, fall outside these exceptions, leading to the charges against her.
Have there been similar cases in other states?
Yes, instances of women facing legal consequences for attempting to terminate their pregnancies have occurred in other states. For example, in 2019, Marshae Jones was charged with manslaughter in Alabama after being shot while pregnant, resulting in a miscarriage. The charges were later dismissed, but the case highlighted the complexities surrounding legal interpretations of pregnancy-related incidents. Additionally, in 2011, Bei Bei Shuai was charged with murder and attempted feticide in Indiana after a suicide attempt led to the death of her fetus. These cases underscore the ongoing debates and legal challenges related to reproductive rights and the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Jocelyn Byrum, 20-year-old woman from Rock Hill, South Carolina |
| Charges | Attempted murder and unlawful neglect of a child |
| Incident Date | November 12, 2025 |
| Gestational Age | 27 weeks pregnant |
| Action Taken | Self-administered labor-inducing medication to terminate pregnancy |
| Infant’s Condition | Transported to hospital, last reported in critical condition |
| Legal Outcome | Arrested on November 17, denied bond during hearing on November 18 |
Now Happening on X
- @MissValerie4040 (November 18, 2025, 6:27 AM) Rock Hill woman arrested for attempted murder of a child. View on X
- @VanessaRuffes (November 18, 2025, 4:24 AM) Rock Hill woman faces attempted murder charge for trying to terminate pregnancy. View on X
- @wsoctv (November 19, 2025, 2:00 PM) Teen released to family after accidental shooting kills friend in Rock Hill. View on X
- @RHHerald (November 18, 2025, 5:20 PM) ‘Planned assassination’: SC woman sentenced in Rock Hill self-defense killing. View on X
- @RHHerald (November 18, 2025, 10:20 PM) ‘Planned assassination’: SC woman sentenced in Rock Hill self-defense killing. View on X
- @sCs (November 13, 2025, 3:23 PM) Congressman Norman (R-SC) should worry about his home district; Rock Hill has one of the highest crime rates in America at 32 per one thousand residents. View on X
- @WCBD (November 19, 2025, 12:35 PM) A Rock Hill woman is facing an attempted murder charge after she allegedly used medicine to terminate her pregnancy at 27 weeks, police say. View on X
- @PCYorkCounty (November 19, 2025, 5:01 AM) Rock Hill supermarket cancels event, offers delivery as Charlotte immigration enforcement sparks fear. View on X
- @theobserver (November 17, 2025, 2:50 PM) With Border Patrol in Charlotte, Rock Hill stores scramble to protect customers. View on X
- @RHHerald (November 17, 2025, 5:40 PM) Rock Hill, SC mother charged with attempted murder of newborn baby, police say. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
