The Iowa Supreme Court overturned Heidi’s conviction on October 17, nine years after Heidi entered prison for a 50 year sentence. Heidi has been awarded a new trial. Finally someone listened to what her supporters have been saying for 10 years!
The Court’s full decision is an interesting read. It gives insight into how the courts and legislature view mental illness in criminal proceedings.
Layman’s explanations are in a 10-18 Des Moines Register article.
Columnist Reka Basu spoke the sentiments of EveryPurpose exactly:
“Thanks to this ruling, Parrish says lawyers representing new mothers must from now on explore the possibility of postpartum depression before deciding on a defense strategy. That’s progress, but not enough. The Iowa Legislature should also look at including postpartum depression as a criminal defense, as England does. That would also help educate the public that it is real and can be crippling. Judging from many of the harsh comments posted online in response to the Anfinson case, there’s a lot of ignorance out there.”
Iowa bloggers picked up the news: Lynda Waddington at the Iowa Independant wrote a compact summary of the Supreme Court’s opinion and initial reaction from EveryPurpose.
Des Moines TV-8 had a great interview with Heidi’s best friend and an article and video clip.
Free Heidi.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Kelly Keeney Maigaard // Nov 8, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I am so happy for Heidi. She is simply the most warm and nice person who people have villified. It broke my heart to hear the negative things people said. I hope the Supreme Court stands firm on their ruling. Go Heidi….you have served more than enough time. Your family and friends need you near them and we hope and pray for your release!!
2 Eraka Jane McCulla (Soder) // Jan 22, 2009 at 9:34 am
I sooo hope that Heidi reads these. I miss you! and I think about you a lot. I check things out with you from time to time and I pray often that this will be resolved. I went through a very similar post partum and actually it was because of you that I was able to talk about it and get some help with the baby etc. What you are doing is going to help women and families everywhere, Heidi.
Someday, I hope to give you a hug – I hope that we just happen upon each other in Wal-mart and I can look into those amazing brown eyes and see what I have always seen. A woman, mother, wife, friend who is honest and loving.
3 Eraka Jane McCulla (Soder) // Nov 29, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Anon
I was in prison with Heidi. I know her heart and know more about what she is going through than even the judges/jury/lawyers that sent her there. I would like to know if you have had the chance to view all of the information available in this case?
We do not “sterilize” humans. That statement alone made me, along with most others who will read your comment, wave it off as misinformed and prejudice. Is it difficult to live so negligent of the world around you? If you criticize someone you do not know or know about so harshly are you that hard on yourself?
I hope you find peace.