A woman from Kentucky faces charges of fetal homicide after reportedly using abortion pills and subsequently burying the fetus in a box adorned with Christmas wrapping in her backyard. This incident occurred after she became pregnant during an extramarital affair.

Authorities arrested 35-year-old Melinda Spencer on Wednesday following her visit to a healthcare clinic in Campton. While there, she allegedly informed staff that she had procured medication online to terminate her pregnancy, a practice deemed illegal in Kentucky, as reported by FOX 56 and confirmed by the Kentucky State Police.

According to police statements, Spencer purportedly admitted to consuming the pills on December 26 and then burying the fetus, identified as a “developed male infant,” in a shallow grave at her residence on Flat Mary Road two days later.

After securing a search warrant, law enforcement officials discovered the remains inside a white cloth, placed within a Christmas-themed box, and encased in a plastic bag, as detailed in court documents.

Spencer later confessed, according to police, that she had allegedly ordered the abortion pills after becoming pregnant with a man other than her boyfriend. She reportedly did so to keep the affair concealed, as reported by the news outlet.

Authorities said she wanted to “abort the fetus on her own.”

It’s unclear how long she was pregnant before taking the pills.

An autopsy has reportedly been scheduled to establish how developed the fetus was.

In Kentucky, nearly all abortions are illegal, with a doctor only authorized to perform one to prevent death or serious injury to the mother.

There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

State law also bars the distribution of abortion medication.

Spencer was charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and first-degree promoting contraband, the outlet reported.

The homicide offense makes her eligible for the death penalty. She also faces life behind bars if convicted.

Spencer is being held at Three Forks Regional Jail in Beattyville.