Health

Pregnant Inmate Awaiting Trial Denied Furlough to Have an Abortion

Pregnant Inmate Awaiting Trial Denied Furlough to Have an AbortionA Portland, Oregon, woman who is awaiting trial in Yamhill County Jail has been denied a medical furlough she wishes to take to receive an abortion. The woman, Bridget Burkholder, is facing charges for arson, criminal mischief, driving under the influence, reckless driving and disorderly conduct. Most of these charges stem from an incident in which the 23-year-old allegedly damaged a hotel room in an attempt to set herself on fire. The Yamhill Valley News Register has more:

Bail has been set at $65,000, so she would have to post $6,500 to secure her release. But she doesn’t have that kind of money, according to her court-appointed attorney, Abraham Hanson.

She wants to have the procedure performed in Salem, but needs a medical release and transportation there and back. So far, that has not been forthcoming.

Although the woman’s lawyer claims she is running out of time to have the procedure, Circuit Judge John Collins has, thus far, denied her medical release. At the heart of this refusal is the notion that the release would be unsupervised; Burkholder’s current mental state is questionable, labeling her as a potential flight risk.

Judge Collins claims that the local sheriff – Jack Crabtree — has the authority to have her escorted, but Collins claims that he does not have the jurisdiction to grant such a request. Crabtree, though, says that he will not escort the woman without a court order. In this case, both sides seem to be deferring to one another in addressing the matter. The Yamhill Valley News Register continues:

“I don’t do medical furloughs on pretrial leave,” Crabtree told the News-Register. “If this lady is of sound mind and ability to make decisions, then the judge has full ability to release her. Until I get a court order, I am not going to release somebody into society that could be a danger to herself or others.”

Collins did offer to place a magistrate’s hold, authorizing Burkholder’s transfer to a mental health facility. That would presumably make it easier for her to arrange a supervised visit to the Salem clinic. As of Friday afternoon, her attorney had not given the judge an answer.

The case is complicated for a number of reasons. While Burkholder is legally able to obtain an abortion, authorities believe she is suffering from mental illness. Since her arrest on June 22, she has shown noticeable improvements, but all parties involved likely want to be sure that she is of sound mind when making the decision to terminate her pregnancy.

RH Reality Check, an online community that supports a woman’s right to choose, takes issue with the disparity between the county’s willingness to allow the woman to post bail and its refusal to transport her:

And there is the real issue — she is suffering from mental health issues, so the court has decided that she is not capable of making a decision about wanting an abortion.  But somehow, if she had the $6500 to post bail, she could be allowed to decide for herself.

Yet again we learn that only a woman with financial resources has the right to terminate a pregnancy.

As time progresses, this case will likely get more interesting. Due to the legal ramifications involved, the local government clearly wants to tread carefully before allowing someone to make a decision he or she may not fully be aware of.

Comments (79)

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  • cogito ergo sum
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:24am

    @jacques poutine

    Don’t ruin his argument with logic! How will he defend himself?!

    Cogito Ergo Sum

    Report Post » cogito ergo sum  
    • jacques poutine
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:15am

      haha caught this reply late but i like it. yes logic is offensive in this day and age my apologies. love your name by the way its very umm logical haha

      Report Post »  
  • forevermax
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:20am

    So now she wants to murder her unborn child. She looks like she’s filled with alot of hate.
    She shouldn‘t be sleeping around if she doesn’t want to get pregnant!
    The baby has rights too. I believe it would choose to be born, but then again, maybe it would
    change it’s mind when it saw what kind of mother it would be getting.

    Report Post »  
  • Jezreel
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:58am

    We need to pray for this soul people that God would intervene. If anybody posts bail for her to get an abortion, they will be cursed for doing so. A person that strengthens the hands of the wicked cannot hide from God and has serious consequences.

    Report Post »  
  • oldoldtimer
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:30am

    Bet she lawyers up and sues the state. They will have to pay child support till that kid is 21. Not only should they allow her to have the abortion they should encourage it. The kid may be as deranged as she is.

    Report Post »  
  • affinnity
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:24am

    Doesn’t this person have some kind of privacy rights. The entire world has just been told what she looks like, where she lives, that she is pregnant, she is mentally ill and suicidal and wants to have an abortion. My God people would you want the world to know all of this about you or someone you loved? I don’t believe in abortion but I also do believe in the right to privacy. She has been charged but hasn’t been convicted of a crime. This story is wrong and the judicial system is wrong for publicizing this woman’s life story.

    Report Post » affinnity  
  • Realman30
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:56am

    She doesn’t have anything to worry about. NOW will come to her rescue.

    Report Post » Realman30  
  • Hula Calhoun
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:40am

    The fact is that a woman who is mentally ill (trying to set yourself on fire is certainly indicative of that) is not in the right mind to choose abortion.

    Report Post » Hula Calhoun  
  • Phil312
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:23am

    With all respect Cannuck44, it is not for us to decide whose life is “valuable” or not. Isn’t that what Hitler did?

    Report Post »  
  • DisgustedWithSociety
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:14am

    Agreeing with the answers — to abort or not to abort .. 1) Jail is not a place for little people.. However 2) the offspring of a mentally disturbed individual begets mental unstability. If this child is relinquished to Child Services, the adopting family will have a lot to deal with in the life of this child.

    Report Post »  
    • BetsyRoss1513
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:18am

      And you can prove this, how?

      Report Post » BetsyRoss1513  
    • sabrinacle
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 4:19am

      dont you think the family willing to adopt the child already knows this? And are you saying that mentally disturbed women should ALL abort their babies? Have you actually thought through to its logical conclusion what you are saying?

      Report Post » sabrinacle  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:14am

    Woof, woof! When is the litter due?

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
  • HumbleCitizen
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:32am

    The blessing of the birth of a child can have a dramatic effect of changing a young person. Yes, parenthood doesn’t always make people turn party (immature) people into parents but to assume there will ONLY be a negetive outcome isn’t even giving the other possibility a chance. Many adults have been transformed (for the better) the first time they gazed upon their newborn and the child..smiled. Give life a chance.

    Report Post » HumbleCitizen  
  • Libertyluvnmomma
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:32am

    Peta or some Leftist organization is free to take up alms! wouldn’t that solve her freedom of choice?
    You know how generous they are!!
    …oh haves versus have nots……………..

    Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:26am

    I wonder if the saved will be in the gallery during the White Throne Judgement. In other words, will Christians see the damned thrown into Hell?

    Report Post » burnteye86  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:24am

    Just because mommys in jail is no reason to give the baby a death sentence.

    Report Post » burnteye86  
  • SgtB
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:16am

    Nothing better to sooth the mental illness this woman apparently suffers from than killing her own flesh and blood child and have it sucked out of her uterus in pieces through a tube. That will definately help out those feelings that caused her to try to commit suicide. Not allowing her to kill this child may be the best thing that will ever happen to her.

    Report Post » SgtB  
    • 1PORattler
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:16pm

      As it was written. Babylon’s children would be dashed to pieces…

      Report Post » 1PORattler  
  • Tear Em Up
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:48am

    Does that mean we pay for raising the child? Or, would we have paid for the abortion? Either way, we’re picking up the tab…

    http://traffic.libsyn.com/mikeleeandterrymartin/Number_71_July_3rd_2011.mp3

    Report Post » Tear Em Up  
    • BetsyRoss1513
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:10am

      No, we suggest strongly that the criminal give her baby up for adoption. Seems like a win/win/win to me. She doesn’t want the baby, okay, she doesn’t have to keep her baby. She can give it up. Someone wants it, trust me.

      Report Post » BetsyRoss1513  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:42am

    Boring………….

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:24am

    Apparently only people with money can hire contract killers too. That seems so unfair.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:13am

      Why is that? So state/funded abortion is just free assassins for the poor?

      Report Post »  
  • John in CT
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:23am

    The health care involved with pregnancy includes the preservation of the welfare of the child’s, and the mother’s health. OB/GYN doctors treating pregnant women effectively have two patients, and a responsibility to both to provide care for them. Abortion is functionally the complete opposite of preserving the welfare of the child and the mother. How has it come to be that so many people have allowed themselves to become convinced that pregnancy needs a remedy instead of nurturing? Health care is needed for sickness and disease, pregnancy and children are neither.

    http://truthinreligionandpolitics . com/2011/01/24/pregnancy-cure/

    Report Post »  
  • John in CT
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:21am

    Why should she be released? The health care involved with pregnancy includes the preservation of the welfare of the child’s, and the mother’s health. OB/GYN doctors treating pregnant women effectively have two patients, and a responsibility to both to provide care for them. Abortion is functionally the complete opposite of preserving the welfare of the child and the mother. How has it come to be that so many people have allowed themselves to become convinced that pregnancy needs a remedy instead of nurturing? Health care is needed for sickness and disease, pregnancy and children are neither.

    http://truthinreligionandpolitics.com/2011/01/24/pregnancy-cure/

    Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:17am

    Aborton is WRONG. I am sorry I do not care who would pay for it who would watch her who would anything. It is wrong and I am happy that she can not commit murder of her child..

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • canuck44
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:15am

    Far cheaper to do that procedure than to house both her and a dysfunctional infant that will likely need to be placed in a medical foster home and has a huge chance of following in mother’s footsteps. Then there is the question of the father and how long she has been there….getting pregnant in jail will raise a huge liability to someone.

    Report Post »  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:10am

      Wow, you must be rich picking lottery numbers, knowing the future like you do. Maybe if we all chip in we could save the baby.Let’s let her have the baby, then at age 7 or 8 ask it if he/she thinks death would of been preferable.

      Report Post »  
    • Jediusetheforce
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:55am

      At least she can’t get pregnant again. Sign me up!!

      Report Post »  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:07am

    Judging from her credentials: disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, criminal mischief, reckless driving, (and last but not least) trying to set herself on fire – she will never win the “Mother of the Year” award.

    Report Post »  
  • Obama_Sham
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:05am

    If she doesn’t have the money to post bail, then where is she going to get the money to have an abortion?

    Report Post » Obama_Sham  
    • EyebrowsLaMana
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:12am

      From Aaron

      Report Post » EyebrowsLaMana  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:08am

      Good question!!

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • rightwingheroes
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:17am

      the taxpayer will do it via planned parenhood

      Report Post »  
    • mohican
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:53am

      She doesn’t, the American taxpayers would be footing the bill for that service.

      Report Post »  
    • jacques poutine
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 10:54am

      bail = $6 500
      abortion = $300-$500

      logic = priceless

      Your statement was like saying “you can’t afford to buy a new car, so how are you going to buy a bicycle?’

      You have a brain use it!!!

      Report Post »  
    • jacques poutine
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:05am

      @obama_sham

      bail = $6 500
      abortion = $300-$500

      logic = priceless

      Your statement was like saying “you can’t afford to buy a new car, so how are you going to buy a bicycle?’

      You have a brain use it!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Pastor Ray
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 6:56pm

      Obama_Sham
      You and I will pay for it! You know TAX-Payers…

      Report Post » Pastor Ray  
  • Aaron in Polk County
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 6:58am

    Abortion is wrong, but preventing one is worse.
    Its should be a basic human right to a medical procedure if a person can find a doctor to do it and can pay for it without my tax dollars.

    Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:07am

      How is preventing the death of a baby ever worse?

      Report Post »  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:07am

      If she tried to set herself on fire, how isn’t this attempted murder of a baby?

      Report Post »  
    • SummerB
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:08am

      Totally agree. She’ll get community service & because of her pregnancy, she’ll not only set herself on fire, but the fetus, too. And if she should get time, she’ll get out, reclaim the baby & set herself & the baby on fire. Don’t see a good outcome here. :(

      Report Post »  
    • EyebrowsLaMana
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:11am

      Well good, we‘ll just all your money for abortions because you’re not using mine. I am not pro or anti abortion (although it would not be right for me) I don’t care what people do but they are gonna have to pay for it on their own. and abortion is wrong but preventing one is worse? what??

      Report Post » EyebrowsLaMana  
    • BetsyRoss1513
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 7:42am

      This is what happens when you do a crime: YOU LOSE YOUR FREEDOM. … including the freedom to have an abortion. Jail is not a drop-in center for criminals that feel like hanging out there today!
      If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.

      Report Post » BetsyRoss1513  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:25am

      She needs to be made to have the baby and then give the child up for adoption because she is unfit.

      Report Post »  
    • captaincrunch
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 8:47am

      I actually have some symphathy for this poor girl (normally I say ‘live and let die) but in this case, she’s not in her right mind. She needs a shrink and maybe some mentoring before she makes a choice that she may regret the rest of her life.

      Report Post »  
    • GIDEON612
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 9:14am

      There are as many couples, not the perverted gay ones, that try to adopt children each year as there are murdered unborn each year.
      Stop murdering our children and God will bless us again.

      Report Post » GIDEON612  
    • Oldphoto678
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:12pm

      @GIDEON612
      “Stop murdering our children and God will bless us again.”

      Sounds like you’re talking about collective salvation. I thought Glenn forbids that.

      Report Post »  
    • Supercalafragalisticexpialidotious
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 11:19am

      When does “medical procedure” become “infanticide”? I think you skipped past the very heart of the abortion discussion in your comment.

      This situation just sucks all around. For everybody.

      Part of me can’t help thinking it reflects on our society. We need to be teaching morality in school. We need to give people a balanced education: body, mind, soul. The soul is completely neglected, the body is partly neglected, and even the mind lately has fallen by the wayside in public school. We’re left with an increasingly angry group of young people.

      I’m not saying that morality = “my savior Jesus” either. Morality crosses religious boundaries. I’m saying we need to get back to God, and to right and wrong. The laws of living which will bring happiness versus misery. We don’t teach that, and we need to. Then we wouldn‘t have the kind of rampant selfishness that leads to promiscuity followed by repeated abortions with no consideration to the fact that it’s a human life they’re terminating- and that their lifestyle isn’t going to make them happy.

      Report Post »  
    • bigstupidjerk
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 12:43pm

      How about I meet you halfway Aaron. We give her the death penalty, effective immediately. Two birds, one stone. No? How about we take the baby alive, which has obviously been abused, and kill the mom. She has already proven her uselessness and maybe her baby will be less of a burden on society. Your tax dollars at work.

      Report Post »  
    • krenshau
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:04pm

      Preventing murder is never worse than murder. She could give it up for adoption for free. There are many, many people that would love to have new born baby.

      Report Post »  
    • Truth in Christ
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 2:37pm

      @KRENSHAU
      i completely agree with you here.

      Abortion is murder, all those who perform it & or “decide” to murder their unborn baby should be in prison anyhow… Maybe this unborn baby is getting a very lucky break here.

      Report Post »  
    • sabrinacle
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 4:17am

      so you think this womans child would be so horrible a burden to this community that there is NO ONE in Oregon or for that matter the country who could adopt this baby? Or that the child has commited such a heinious crime that it deserves to die?Or that if the child were born disabled that it should not live because it is disabled????What are you saying?

      Report Post » sabrinacle  
    • minorityconservative2
      Posted on July 7, 2011 at 8:58pm

      Although I don’t think Jesus looked like that picture, I know he hates the killing of a human being at any stage of their life, from the smallest point when egg and sperm come together, till the last gray hair falls off a person’s head before they die of cancer. And thanks but you can save it to all those people who think just because my mother was young and unwed and abused me and my step father abused me that i should not have been born. I still have the right to be here and so should my beautiful and loved children. No one should have taken that right to life from me.

      Report Post »  
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