In an unprecedented move, an Alabama judge is allowing a man to sue a clinic because his ex-girlfriend terminated her pregnancy without his consent. The incident took place in February 2017, when he was 19 and she was 16, The Independent reports. (The age of consent in Alabama is 16.) At the time she terminated the pregnancy, she was six weeks along, making the embryo about the size of a sweet pea. Now, for the first time in United States history, a probate court has recognized an aborted fetus as a person with rights.

In court documents filed on March 6 by Ryan Magers, he claims that he begged his ex-girlfriend to carry the pregnancy to term and give birth. She refused and opted to terminate the pregnancy by taking the so-called "abortion pill," which is actually two pills, containing mifepristone and misoprostol. The wrongful death lawsuit names both the Alabama Women's Center and the pharmaceutical company that made the medication.

In the filings, the fetus is referred to as "Baby Roe," a reference to Roe v. Wade, in which the US Supreme Court rejected the notion that a fetus is a person. But despite the ruling, three states have put "personhood" laws to a vote. Voters in Colorado and Mississippi rejected the measure, but voters in Alabama did not.

"I'm here for the men who actually want to have their baby," Mager explained to ABC 31. "I just tried to plead with her and plead with her and just talk to her about it and see what I could do, but in the end, there was nothing I could do to change her mind... I believe every child from conception is a baby and deserves to live."

"Ryan was all about family," Mager's lawyer, J. Brent Helms, told Refinery 29. "He took on extra jobs to be able to pay for the birth of Baby Roe. He doesn't know why she didn’t want to go through with the pregnancy."

Hannah Ford, a spokesperson for the anti-abortion group Personhood Alabama who is assisting with the lawsuit, issued a statement claiming Baby Roe "was cruelly robbed of life and silenced before entering the world or being able to personally voice complaint in court."

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The case has alarmed reproductive rights groups, who are concerned the "personhood" movement might spread. On Twitter, Ilyse Hogue, the president of Naral Pro-Choice America, called the case "very scary" because it "asserts woman's rights third in line," behind the man who impregnates her and the dead fetus. Salon writer Amanda Marcotte agreed, saying any man who "vetoes" an abortion is "not fit to be a father or a partner. Any such man is by definition, an abuser."

Those concerns are shared by Elizabeth Nash, the senior state issues manager at the Guttmacher Institute, which supports reproductive rights. "This man was unable to force his girlfriend to continue a pregnancy and so he’s taking an extreme action to exert control," she told Refinery 29. And speaking with The Independent, she explained, "[This case] has the potential to be used in other states, and it’s part of abortion opponents being emboldened... and conservatives turning over every rock to see how they can ban abortion."

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Mager's lawyer said the case could start a legal precedent that leads to the end of abortion in Alabama. However, law professors like Lucinda Finley from the University of Buffalo aren't so sure. She told The Cut that a wrongful death must be a "legally wrongful act in order to have a successful claim."

"In this case, the clinic that provided an abortion that the woman wanted and consented to did not perform any wrongful act," she said. "A third party who injures a pregnant woman and thereby ends her wanted pregnancy against her will is a vastly different situation than a woman who decides to end her own pregnancy."

Last year, Charlotte Smith - a 21-year-old woman pregnant with her first child - had to make a devastating decision. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and was told that carrying her child to term could mean that she would lose her life.

Faced with the prospect of a premature death, Smith made the difficult choice to terminate her pregnancy at 11 weeks. Then, on the day she had the abortion, she began chemotherapy to treat her cancer.

She spent the following months sharing her story in a bid to raise awareness of the disease, and touched the hearts of thousands of people as she showed what a positive and resilient woman she was.

Sadly, however, her battle did not last long, and she passed away yesterday at the age of 22.

In August last year, Smith spoke out about how she found out that she had leukemia. At first, she says, she put her symptoms down to her pregnancy.

"After a few weeks [of being pregnant], I began to feel ill," the young woman said. "It had been alright, then I started getting excruciating back pain and I was so tired. I could not eat I was throwing up that much. But I just put it down to the pregnancy."

However, when it came time for her to have a blood test, she found out that her problems were more than just morning sickness.

"I went to have blood taken at the beginning of December," she recalled. "This is standard for pregnant women around nine to twelve weeks. But then I was called back in, as an abnormality had been found and I had to stay in overnight."

The next morning, she was told she had leukemia.

"The only thing I was bothered about was the baby," she said. "But it was either my life or the child's, and I didn't want to die. There was 84 percent cancer cells in my blood."

Smith was warned that if she put the treatment off there would be a very high chance she would die, so she agreed to the termination.

"I had a scan the next day," she went on. "I wouldn't go through with the termination if I couldn't have a scan first. I wanted to see the baby." The doctors honored her wishes, and Smith was allowed to say goodbye to her child.

Tragically, however, the young woman showed resistance to treatment almost straight away, and ended up in intensive care after her second round of chemotherapy. Later on, she underwent a successful bone marrow transplant from her brother, but that, too, failed to help her.

Yesterday, her close friend, Jordanna, posted this update on Facebook:

"Well, I never thought id ever in a million years be having to write this. A lot of you may have seen Charlotte's post about her going into hospital this morning. She is my best friend and has been for many years, she has sadly passed away, she had an infection and couldn't fight it.

"I've been to see her little face, she is at peace now, I'm with her mum and her husband we are all trying to stay strong. She was a little fighter but couldn't fight much more."

Though this is obviously a tragedy for all those involved, Smith's death will hopefully not be in vain. During her treatment, she campaigned for pregnant women to receive routine blood tests early on in their first term, and her petition has now been seen by thousands.

Our thoughts go out to her friends and family at this difficult time.

A number of American states including Alabama and Georgia have come under fire for new anti-abortion laws that have either been passed or proposed.

Under these restrictions, unless a woman aborts a fetus as early as six weeks, which is when most pregnancies are discovered, it will be illegal for her not to carry the baby to term - even in cases of rape and incest.

The only exception will be if a woman's life is in danger.

In response to these laws, which have entirely been decided by white, Republican men, many people have been speaking out against what they have described as "draconian" policing of women's bodies, with comparisons to the Salem witch trials even been drawn on social media.

In the video below, Busy Philipps speaks out against the abortion ban in Georgia: 

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Those who have spoken out include many celebrities like Jason Bateman, who said he would not film anymore in Georgia if such a law is passed.

Now the latest celebrities to add their names to the list of objectors are actresses Sophie Turner and Emma Watson.

Taking to Instagram, both women posted scathing posts about the new restrictions.

Watson, best known for her work on feminism and playing Hermione in the Harry Potter series, wrote that the law introduced in Alabama "won't stop women and pregnant people from having abortions, or from making the best decision for their bodies and families, it will just mean they are forced to do so unsafely and with stigma."

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Turner, who made a name for herself in HBO's Game of Thrones for her portrayal of Sansa Stark, posted a picture of some of the GOP lawmaker's most controversial quotes about rape, captioned: "Shame on you. OUR BODIES OUR CHOICE."

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At the time of writing, Turner's post has garnered over a million likes and counting.

The fact-checking website Snopes revealed that the image Turner posted has been circulating online since 2014. It confirmed that each of the quotes had, indeed, been said, though some were later brushed off by the politicians as a joke.

Rick Santorum, the former GOP senator from Pennsylvania and presidential candidate, told Piers Morgan, who was a CNN host in 2012, that victims of rape should "make the best of a bad situation."

To hear Santorum make these comments for yourself, check out the video below:

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Below are some of the other celebrity criticisms of the abortion laws:

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A heated online debate has erupted after YouTubers Jesse and Ashley Ridgway revealed they chose to terminate their first pregnancy following a diagnosis of Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome.

The couple, who married last year, had shared their pregnancy news in March, announcing that they were expecting their first child in the fall of 2026.

Fans of Jesse, better known online as McJuggerNuggets, celebrated the news and flooded social media with messages of support.

Couple decide to end pregnancy

However, weeks later, the pair revealed that prenatal screening suggested their unborn son had a high likelihood of having Down syndrome. Hoping the results were inaccurate, they underwent further testing, including an amniocentesis procedure.

Jesse later confirmed that the diagnosis was verified, describing the experience as emotionally devastating.

On June 3, Jesse announced that Ashley had undergone a termination procedure earlier that week.

“This week, my wife and I made the very difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy due to Trisomy 21,” he wrote. “The choice was not made lightly.”

He acknowledged that many followers might disagree with the decision, adding: “I know some of you may be very disappointed to hear this news.”

The couple made the difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy. (stock image) Credit: Tetra Images / Getty Images

According to Jesse, the couple spent weeks researching the condition, consulting doctors and genetic counselors, and discussing the situation with family members before making their decision. He described the process as “extremely traumatic” for both of them.

The news proves divisive online

The announcement quickly divided opinion online. Critics argued that the decision reinforced negative perceptions about people with Down syndrome.

“What concerns me most is the message this sends about the value of people with Down syndrome,” one commenter wrote. “A disability does not diminish a person’s humanity or dignity.”

Others defended the couple, arguing that reproductive decisions are deeply personal matters that should remain between families and their healthcare providers. The discussion soon expanded into a wider debate about disability rights, prenatal testing, reproductive choice, and public attitudes toward genetic conditions.

As the controversy grew, many people with Down syndrome shared their own perspectives. Among the most widely circulated responses was one from actress, model, and disability advocate Lily D. Moore.

“Yes, they had a choice,” Moore wrote. “But no one with Down syndrome is a mistake, a glitch, or suffering.”

She acknowledged that receiving such a diagnosis can be overwhelming for expectant parents, saying: “I’m sure it is scary with all of the unknowns of having a child who was not what they were expecting.”

At the same time, she challenged assumptions about quality of life for people with Down syndrome.

“I’m personally living my best life and I know I am a blessing to my parents,” she wrote. “Wish they would have educated themselves!”

Moore's comments resonated with many advocates who argued that discussions about prenatal diagnoses often focus heavily on medical challenges while overlooking the experiences and achievements of people living with the condition.

Other advocates pointed to research suggesting that many individuals with Down syndrome report high levels of life satisfaction and maintain strong family relationships. Some shared stories about careers, friendships, travel, marriage, and independent living.

National Down Syndrome Society CEO Kandi Pickard also criticized Jesse's previous suggestion that Down syndrome “isn’t a blessing.”

Speaking to People, she said she “vehemently disagrees,” citing studies showing that “99% of people with Down syndrome are happy with their lives” and noting that most families love and are proud of their children with the condition.

Pickard and OB-GYN Dr. Eboni January both stressed the need for balanced, fact-based information for families facing prenatal diagnoses.

Couple have abortion after finding out their baby has Down Syndrome. Credit: Instagram

They emphasized that Down syndrome affects each individual differently and that families should be given accurate resources and compassionate support when making decisions.

As criticism continued, Jesse addressed followers directly and acknowledged the concerns raised by people with disabilities.

“You matter a lot and we’re glad you’re here,” he wrote. “I commend you and your families for having the strength and courage to push forward.”

He reiterated that the decision was made only after extensive conversations with medical professionals and loved ones. Despite the backlash, Jesse said he and Ashley believe they made the best decision for their family.

“You never think you’d be in this type of situation until it happens to you and then things change,” he wrote.

While Ashley's procedure was physically successful, Jesse said both of them were struggling emotionally.

“Thankfully, everything went smoothly, but emotionally we are drained.”

Looking ahead, Jesse said the couple hopes to heal and eventually try for another child.

“We made a difficult decision that we believe in the long run will be beneficial for our family,” he wrote. “Thankfully, we had a choice. It will take a little time to move on, but we are excited to try again in the future and hopefully have a better outcome.”

Featured Image. Credit: Tetra Images / Getty

Last month, the state of Alabama passed one of the nation's most restrictive bans on abortion in recent years, and it sparked a veritable domino effect. Now, both Missouri and Georgia have announced similar anti-abortion bills.

The draconian laws would prohibit abortion after a "fetal heartbeat" can be detected, oftentimes before most women have even realized they're pregnant.

The backlash was swift, with thousands of women taking to Twitter to speak about their personal experiences, using the hashtags #ShoutYourAbortion, and #YouKnowMe. In May, people also took to the streets to march as part of the #StopTheBans protest. Over 500 marches occurred at statehouses, town squares, and courthouses across the US, as well as in Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Now, an anonymous doctor from the US has written a harrowing essay detailing his experience of helping a woman give birth to an infant with no skull. The piece, titled The Myth of Choice, was published amid a wave of anti-abortion laws in the US. In Alabama, specifically, abortions are now only allowed if the mother's physical health is in serious jeopardy. Her mental health, however, and that of her unborn child are rarely considered.

"A woman meets a man, starts a relationship, wants a family. She comes to your hospital so pregnant that her belly is huge. She hasn't come before because she has no car. Her man works long days, paid cash for his labor. Turns out the baby has no brain, no skull. Only a stem. This condition has no survivors. None," the doctor began.

"You wait for the patient to break the silence. The baby's heartbeat trots through the monitors while you softly hold her gaze. Her eyes plead with you. End it. You talk to the obstetricians, because eventually it will end. But nobody will do it. Not in this state. Not in this hospital. And so, the mother goes home, pregnant and grieving."

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"Gently, the baby dies. He is warm, whole, and not alone. There are no doughnuts at the nurses' station that night as this young mother is wheeled to a room in the back corner of labor and delivery, away from the other mothers and their pink, crying babies. She will walk out of the hospital with breasts swollen and weeping for her dead child. Her hips loose and large will force her pants to tug. She will struggle with her gait for weeks, punctuating loss in the waddle of each step, until, gradually, she retires her maternity pants and her steps become firm, upright, and forward," the essay continues.

"You've done this before, cared for women whose wishes were warped by politics. You've commanded millions of health care dollars on behalf of infants born with fatal diagnoses. You've seen these infants cut, lanced, and battered in the name of intensive care. Do everything. Because who does not want to save her child? Sometimes all we can control is our grief. The middle-of-the-night pangs for a world where motherhood means potty training and muddy cleats. Sometimes the idea of choice is just a lie. And sometimes all you can provide is compassion. Dignity in grief is the gift. You've enabled false hopes, not for cures but for time to bond, hope, and heal. It is the parents you are healing. The hopes false. All these children died in the end."