Screening of Baby Doe film to explore law, justice and reproductive health

The Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice at UC Klekamp College of Law will host a screening of Baby Doe, a documentary produced by Sarah Paulson and directed by Jessica Earnshaw that examines the case of Gail Ritchey, an Ohio woman convicted in 2022 in connection with the death of a newborn infant more than three decades earlier. The screening will be held at 4 PM, Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in Room 160 of the College of Law.

Register to attend here:  Baby Doe

Ritchey was 23 years old when she unexpectedly discovered she was pregnant. Living in a conservative Christian community, she did not tell anyone about the pregnancy and gave birth while working as a nanny in Shaker Heights. Ritchey said she did not believe the infant was alive after the birth. She placed the infant’s body in the trunk of her car and later left it in a wooded area in rural Geauga County, where it was discovered days later.

The case remained unsolved for decades, with the infant becoming known as “Geauga’s Child.” In 2022, advances in DNA analysis and genetic genealogy led investigators to Ritchey. She was arrested and prosecuted in Geauga County and ultimately convicted of murder. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh District affirmed her conviction and indefinite sentence of 15 years to life, rejecting several claims of error, including challenges related to venue and the weight of the evidence.

Following the screening, a panel discussion will explore the case and broader issues surrounding wrongful convictions, reproductive health and the social context surrounding women involved in the criminal legal system. Panelists will include the following individuals:

• Jessica Earnshaw – Director and Filmmaker for Baby Doe Film
• Rachel Troutman – Attorney, The Exoneration Project
• Rhiannon Carnes – Founder & Executive Director, Ohio Women’s Alliance
• Laura Sullivan – Deputy Director, JustChoice
• Dr. Catherine Romanos - Medical Provider, JustCenter / JustChoice

The screening and panel will offer an opportunity to consider the complex legal, medical and social questions raised by Baby Doe and the Ritchey case. This event is possible through the generous sponsorship from Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein; Cara Stewart, Attorney at Law; and TK Law. 

Photos provided.