Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Abortion Extortion

I have an ex-girlfriend that says she's pregnant and it has been less than a month. She has told me that she's going to have the baby and make me pay child support if I don't pay for her abortion and six months of her rent (for her ''recovery''). I have offered to pay for her abortion (I'm not opposed to abortion) and I will pay for a month of her rent to help her recovery, but I think six months of rent is unreasonable. Is this not extortion? Could I have her arrested? I regard her as unfit for motherhood and, if she were to have the baby, would I have a good case to get custody on the basis of her extortion?


Asked on 1/24/06, 6:43 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Abortion Extortion

Extortion is a threat to falsely accuse someone of a crime in order to obtain money or anything of value. From the facts you present, that's not what you have here. I'm assuming the sex was consensual and both parties are of sufficient age. She's simply giving you the option of paying her expenses of terminating the pregnancy, or paying child support if it can be proven that the child is yours. Unless you have some doubt of that, you will have responsibility for supporting the child, so it's up to you to decide which way you want to go. Obviously, you can try to negotiate with her if you decide to cover the abortion.

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Answered on 1/24/06, 9:49 am


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