NCJ Number
127993
Journal
Progressive Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 18-21
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes inadequate prison conditions and health care for pregnant inmates in California.
Abstract
Inadequate medical care, harsher treatment, lack of exercise, unsanitary cell conditions, and physical abuse are cited as some of the problems encountered by incarcerated pregnant inmates. Case histories such as that of Doris Mitchell corroborate the findings of a State-sponsored study by Prison Match, an Oakland-based prisoners rights group, of the inadequate health care and abuse of pregnant inmates. These State institutions fall far beneath the standards of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Newly implemented programs such as the Community Prisoner Mother-Infant Care Program in California and the Aid to Incarcerated Mothers in Massachusetts place infants born to inmate mothers in homes near the prisons. A new program in Farmingham, the Women's Health and Learning Center, offers prenatal health and counseling services as well as parenting and nutrition classes to pregnant inmates.