NCJ Number
136104
Journal
The Prison Journal Volume: 71 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring-Summer 1991) Pages: 44-50
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Because adequate systems of medical care rarely exist for pregnant women prisoners in jails, and conditions of confinement are usually more egregious for pregnant women in county jails than in State prisons, prisoners' rights advocates and practitioners are encouraged to litigate on behalf of pregnant women prisoners.
Abstract
Single-issue litigation is one approach to challenging pregnancy care conditions in county jails; there have been numerous instances where pregnant inmates received little or no prenatal care, were not given appropriate treatment for high risk pregnancy conditions or related emergencies, were exposed to contagious diseases, were shackled during transport, or were deprived of appropriate drug or alcohol dependence treatment. A second strategy for resolving deficiencies in jail conditions for pregnant women is to include pregnancy care allegations within broader jail conditions complaints filed on behalf of both male and female prisoners. A final method for obtaining remedies for pregnant jail inmates is to file individual civil rights suits or complaints alleging eighth amendment violations by jailers who have deliberately neglected a pregnant woman's necessary medical needs. 3 notes