by Campton, Kentucky — Authorities in eastern Kentucky have arrested a woman accused of inducing an illegal abortion and burying the remains of her unborn child in a shallow grave behind her home, a case that is drawing attention amid the state’s strict abortion laws and raising serious legal and ethical questions.
Police say the investigation began after the woman disclosed details of the abortion to medical staff, prompting a report to state authorities and a rapid law enforcement response.
Clinic report leads to police investigation
According to Kentucky State Police, the case came to light on Wednesday afternoon when staff at the United Clinic contacted police around 2:30 p.m.
Trooper Zach Haney said a woman at the clinic disclosed that she had aborted her pregnancy at her residence on Flat Mary Road. Based on that information, state police launched an immediate investigation.
The woman was later identified as 35-year-old Melinda Spencer, who was taken into custody and booked into the Three Forks Regional Jail on Thursday.
Woman allegedly ordered abortion medication online
Investigators say Spencer admitted during questioning that she ordered medication online to terminate her pregnancy. According to police statements, she told investigators that she took the medication at her home, which “resulted in the death of a developed male infant.”
Authorities allege that after the abortion, Spencer buried the infant in a shallow grave on the back side of her property.
Court records state that Spencer allegedly told police she began taking the medication on December 26, 2025, and delivered the fetus the following day.
Alleged motive revealed during police interview
During the interview, Spencer reportedly made another admission that investigators say sheds light on her motive. According to reporting from WKYT, Spencer told officers that the baby was not her boyfriend’s and that she did not want him to find out she was pregnant.
That statement has been cited by prosecutors as part of the probable cause supporting the charges filed against her.
Infant remains discovered at residence
After interviewing Spencer, law enforcement officers traveled to her home in the 3700 block of Flat Mary Road to search the property.
Police say they found the infant’s remains “in a shallow grave just as Ms. Spencer had stated.” According to WDKY, the remains were discovered inside a white grocery sack, which contained a light bulb box wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. The infant’s body was reportedly wrapped in a white cloth.
Authorities secured the scene and collected evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Charges include first-degree fetal homicide
Spencer now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- First-degree fetal homicide
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with physical evidence
- First-degree promoting contraband
Under Kentucky law, first-degree fetal homicide is classified as a capital offense, making it one of the most serious criminal charges in the state.
Police say the case remains under active investigation, and additional charges could be possible depending on the outcome of forensic testing.
Autopsy planned to determine gestational age
Local news outlets report that an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the fetus’s gestational age, which could play a significant role in how the case proceeds through the court system.
Investigators have not yet released information on how far along the pregnancy was at the time of the abortion, and officials say they are awaiting medical examiner results before providing further details.
Case unfolds amid strict Kentucky abortion laws
The arrest comes as Kentucky continues to enforce some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the United States. Abortion in the state is essentially banned, with exceptions only in cases where the mother’s life is at risk or where serious, permanent injury could occur.
Legal experts say cases involving alleged self-managed abortions are rare but legally complex, often intersecting criminal law, public health policy, and constitutional debate.
Investigation continues as court process begins
Spencer remains in custody as the case moves through the early stages of the legal process. Prosecutors have not yet announced a court date for a preliminary hearing, and officials say more information will be released as forensic and medical evaluations are completed.
Authorities declined to comment further on the case Thursday, citing the ongoing investigation.
What are your thoughts on this case and how states handle criminal charges related to abortion laws? Should there be clearer legal guidance or expanded access to resources? Share your perspective in the comments.
