A Kentucky woman faces serious charges after allegedly using medication to end her pregnancy and then burying the remains in her backyard, authorities report.

Melinda Spencer, 35, has been charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and promoting contraband in the first degree, as documented by the Three Forks Regional Jail. She was taken into custody on Thursday.

The case unfolded when Trooper Zach Haney of the Kentucky State Police revealed that a woman, later identified as Spencer, visited the United Clinic in Campton, Kentucky. During her visit, she reportedly admitted to terminating her pregnancy at her home on Flat Mary Road. The clinic staff informed the state police around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting an immediate investigation.

Kentucky enforces stringent abortion laws, effectively banning the procedure unless the mother’s life is in danger or she faces a risk of severe injury. The state is recognized as one of the most restrictive in the nation regarding abortion laws, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

During the investigation, Spencer allegedly confessed to ordering abortion-inducing medication online. After taking the medication, she said, it resulted in the death of a developed male fetus. She then reportedly buried the remains in a shallow grave behind her property.

Another alleged admission came out during the interview. According to Lexington-based CBS affiliate WKYT, Spencer “advised the baby was not her boyfriend”s and she did not want him to find out she was pregnant.” She reportedly added that she began taking the medication on Dec. 26, 2025, and “delivered the fetus” the very next day.

Following the interview with Spencer, law enforcement traveled to her home on the 3700 block of Flat Mary Road, and they found the infant “in a shallow grave just as Ms. Spencer had stated.” Inside the grave was a white grocery sack filled with a light bulb box wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper, regional Fox affiliate WDKY reported, and the child’s remains were wrapped in a white rag.

Spencer was arrested, and the case remains under investigation, Haney noted on Thursday.

According to local news outlets such as WKYT, an autopsy was slated to be performed to determine the child’s gestational age — or how long he had been growing inside his mother’s womb.

First-degree fetal homicide is defined per Kentucky law as a capital offense.