Advocate calls for urgent reform in prison maternity care
July 31, 2024 | Judiciary: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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During a recent government subcommittee meeting, advocates and experts highlighted urgent issues surrounding the healthcare of pregnant women in prisons and jails. Testimonies revealed alarming deficiencies in medical care, with a particular focus on the experiences of incarcerated mothers and their children.
One poignant account came from a mother who described the neglect her daughter faced while pregnant in custody, emphasizing the emotional toll on families. She urged the subcommittee to use her family's ordeal as a catalyst for reform within the criminal justice system, advocating for improved communication and care for pregnant inmates.
Dr. Carolyn Suffran, a board-certified obstetrician and researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, presented compelling data from her extensive work on the subject. She revealed that nearly 58,000 pregnant women are admitted to U.S. jails and prisons annually, yet there is no comprehensive national data on their pregnancies and births. This lack of oversight contributes to the neglect of their healthcare needs, as many facilities do not have mandatory standards for pregnancy care.
Dr. Suffran's research indicated that only 31% of jails conduct routine pregnancy testing upon arrival, leaving many pregnant women without necessary medical attention. Furthermore, she highlighted the inadequate treatment for incarcerated women with opioid use disorder, noting that only 32% of jails provide access to essential medications during pregnancy.
The issue of shackling pregnant women during labor was also addressed, with Dr. Suffran stating that despite laws prohibiting this practice in 41 states, violations persist. She called this a profound assault on dignity and human rights, stressing the need for immediate reforms to ensure the safety and health of both mothers and their babies.
The testimonies and research presented at the meeting underscored the critical need for systemic changes in the treatment of pregnant women in the criminal justice system, framing the issue as a significant human rights concern that demands urgent attention and action.
One poignant account came from a mother who described the neglect her daughter faced while pregnant in custody, emphasizing the emotional toll on families. She urged the subcommittee to use her family's ordeal as a catalyst for reform within the criminal justice system, advocating for improved communication and care for pregnant inmates.
Dr. Carolyn Suffran, a board-certified obstetrician and researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, presented compelling data from her extensive work on the subject. She revealed that nearly 58,000 pregnant women are admitted to U.S. jails and prisons annually, yet there is no comprehensive national data on their pregnancies and births. This lack of oversight contributes to the neglect of their healthcare needs, as many facilities do not have mandatory standards for pregnancy care.
Dr. Suffran's research indicated that only 31% of jails conduct routine pregnancy testing upon arrival, leaving many pregnant women without necessary medical attention. Furthermore, she highlighted the inadequate treatment for incarcerated women with opioid use disorder, noting that only 32% of jails provide access to essential medications during pregnancy.
The issue of shackling pregnant women during labor was also addressed, with Dr. Suffran stating that despite laws prohibiting this practice in 41 states, violations persist. She called this a profound assault on dignity and human rights, stressing the need for immediate reforms to ensure the safety and health of both mothers and their babies.
The testimonies and research presented at the meeting underscored the critical need for systemic changes in the treatment of pregnant women in the criminal justice system, framing the issue as a significant human rights concern that demands urgent attention and action.
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