Story perspectives

Medical Examiners Challenge Lung Float Test's Reliability in Birth Cases

12/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

The National Association of Medical Examiners warns the lung float test is unreliable and lacks standardization in determining live birth versus stillbirth.
The association plans a position paper to be published in 2026 to guide complex pregnancy-loss cases amid rising prosecutions after the Supreme Court's abortion ruling.
Moira Akers was charged with murder based on the lung float test.
Latice Fisher's charges were dismissed after questioning the test's validity.

1 of 1

Story summary

The National Association of Medical Examiners warns the lung float test is unreliable and lacks standardization in determining live birth versus stillbirth.
The association plans a position paper to be published in 2026 to guide complex pregnancy-loss cases amid rising prosecutions after the Supreme Court's abortion ruling.
Moira Akers was charged with murder based on the lung float test.
Latice Fisher's charges were dismissed after questioning the test's validity.