A Texas man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly giving abortion medication to a woman without her knowledge, resulting in the death of her unborn child.
Man Charged for Secretly Administering Abortion Medication
John Ruben Demeter, 25, has been charged with one count each of illegal performance of an abortion and injury to a child, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities allege that Demeter secretly gave the woman an abortion-inducing drug, causing the death of her unborn child.
The case first came to light in February when the woman sought medical attention after suspecting she had ingested medication without her consent. Investigators later discovered that Demeter had obtained abortion medication online and had it shipped to his home.
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said that Demeter crushed the medication and mixed it into at least one drink given to the woman with the specific intent to terminate her pregnancy.
Details of the Incident
The pregnancy was approximately 14 weeks along when the unborn child, named Presley Mae, was stillborn at the hospital, weighing around 55 grams. Deputies were initially called to the hospital after the miscarriage occurred under suspicious circumstances.
Investigators say the woman’s boyfriend allegedly wanted her to end the pregnancy and even offered to pay for her travel to obtain a legal abortion out of state.
Authorities believe Demeter administered mifepristone, a drug illegal in Texas under the state’s abortion ban, to his girlfriend without her consent. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office stated that the case may be historic as the first of its kind under the state’s anti-abortion statute.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Demeter was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and has been detained at Montgomery County Jail since his arrest on February 23, two days after the miscarriage. He now faces two first-degree felony charges and could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutor Laura Hill described the allegations as “both deeply troubling and profoundly harmful” and emphasized the importance of applying the law carefully to seek justice for the victims and the community.
Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley said the case represents “allegations of deliberate deception that resulted in devastating consequences” and vowed to continue pursuing justice based on the facts and state laws.
This case underscores the legal and ethical ramifications of non-consensual medical actions and the serious consequences they can have on victims.
