A Pennsylvania teenager gave birth to a “full baby” that was “still moving” after an illegal late-term abortion attempt, then stored the remains under her bed for 37 hours before burying them in the backyard with her mother’s help.
Key Takeaways
- A Pennsylvania mother and daughter face multiple charges after attempting an illegal chemical abortion at 20 weeks and burying the baby’s remains in their backyard.
- The teenager reported the baby was “still moving” after birth, kept the body under her bed for 37 hours, raising questions about potential infanticide.
- Despite the circumstances, Pennsylvania law protects women from prosecution for illegal abortions, preventing homicide charges even with evidence suggesting live birth.
- The mother, Shannon Jones, purchased abortion pills online without medical supervision, though such medication is only approved for use up to 10 weeks due to serious health risks.
- Authorities discovered skeletal remains in March 2025 after a witness provided photographic evidence and messages about the May 2024 incident.
Horrific Details Emerge in Lancaster County Case
A disturbing case of illegal abortion and improper disposal of a baby’s remains has shocked Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Shannon Jones allegedly purchased abortion medication online for her teenage daughter, who was approximately 20 weeks pregnant, despite Pennsylvania law prohibiting chemical abortions past 10 weeks due to significant health risks. The daughter, whose name remains withheld because she was a juvenile at the time of the offense, reportedly took the pills at home without any medical supervision on May 10, 2024, resulting in the birth of what she described as a “full baby” that was “still moving.”
According to court documents, the teenager kept the baby’s remains in a box under her bed for at least 37 hours before she and her mother buried the body in their backyard. The mother-daughter pair might have gotten away with their actions if not for a witness who came forward in March 2025 with photographs and messages that alerted authorities to the situation. Police investigation led to the discovery of skeletal remains at the residence, confirming the witness’s account and leading to multiple criminal charges against both women.
Legal Charges and Implications
Despite the severity of their actions, neither woman faces charges directly related to the abortion itself due to Pennsylvania law that protects women from liability in illegal abortions. Instead, Shannon Jones faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, and conspiracy to conceal a child’s death. Her daughter, now 18, has been charged with concealing the death of a child and abuse of a corpse. Jones was released without bail and is scheduled for a court hearing on July 2.
“We’re either going to get arrested or I’m gonna get divorced,” Shannon Jones reportedly told her daughter, “ demonstrating awareness of the illegal nature of their actions,” according to ABC27.
The Lancaster County Coroner’s office ruled the cause of death as “premature fetal death” and the manner “undetermined.” This finding prevented prosecutors from pursuing homicide charges, despite the teenager’s statement that the baby was “still moving” after birth. The legal complexities of the case highlight the challenges in prosecuting such incidents, where the line between abortion and infanticide becomes blurred in late-term scenarios.
Chemical Abortion Dangers Exposed
This case draws attention to the significant dangers of unsupervised chemical abortions, especially in late-term pregnancies. Pro-life advocates have long warned about the risks of mail-order abortion pills, which circumvent medical oversight and increase the likelihood of serious complications. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary recently announced a review of one of the drugs commonly used in chemical abortions due to reports of medical complications, underscoring the legitimate safety concerns surrounding these medications.
Critics have consistently challenged the abortion industry’s claim that chemical abortions are “safe,” “a position that this case tragically illustrates,” according to LifeSiteNews.
While abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania up to 24 weeks, medical professionals consistently advise against chemical abortion methods beyond 10 weeks. The fact that Jones purchased these drugs online without prescription or medical guidance for her daughter’s late-term pregnancy demonstrates a dangerous disregard for established safety protocols. The subsequent handling of the baby’s remains—keeping them under a bed before burial—further reveals the traumatic consequences of attempting to circumvent proper medical and legal channels.
A Tragic Case With Lasting Implications
This disturbing case highlights the consequences of illegal abortion practices and raises serious questions about the monitoring and regulation of abortion medications. The teenager’s description of a “full baby” that was “still moving” presents a harrowing image that challenges the sanitized narrative often presented about abortion procedures. The mother’s reported paranoia about discovery and her statement about potential arrest demonstrates awareness of wrongdoing, yet Pennsylvania law creates a situation where significant aspects of their actions remain beyond prosecution.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the human reality behind late-term abortions and the legitimate concerns about the increasing availability of abortion medications without proper medical supervision. As this mother and daughter face the legal consequences of their actions regarding the handling of the baby’s remains, the broader questions about abortion regulation, fetal personhood, and the protection of viable human life continue to demand serious public attention and policy consideration.
