Introduction
It is important to ensure women have access to the required medical care and support in prison. Denying women their fundamental rights is unethical because they have committed some offenses. Restricting freedom for a certain period is already a punishment. Therefore, no other restrictions should be imposed on prisoners.
Policy, Laws, and Practices of Incarcerated Females Giving Birth
State Legislation
Some federal and state regulations in Georgia determine how women should receive necessary care. Although Georgia laws require the provision of basic facilities for pregnant women, the regulations are still strict and require reform.
Constitutional Law
In general, the Eighth Amendment protects incarcerated women, which guarantees restrictions on cruel and unusual punishments. In cases when volunteer organizations receive information about pregnant women in jail, they can get into the penitentiary system and provide medical assistance (Chapman, 2022). However, the problem with the prison system is the lack of transparency, which makes it difficult to determine how many women are waiting for care and not getting it. Because of this issue, nonprofit organizations are advocating for an amendment to data tracking so that no woman is left behind.
Prison Rape Elimination Act
The Prison Rape Elimination Act requires prison administrations to provide childbirth classes, pregnancy testing, and prenatal care. The act does not specify the specific standards for this care. As a result, there are cases such as Aubrey Newsome in Georgia, who was seen by an obstetrician only several times. At the same time, it is necessary to have more than ten sessions with this specialist (Chapman, 2022). It seems that more transparency on this issue will be the right reform.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being in prison deprives women of the opportunity to receive full care during pregnancy. Also, at the birth of a child, women receive only 18 months to contact them, and after that, the children may be placed under foster care. It seems that women should be protected not only by nonprofit organizations but also by the state that finances prisons. This can be achieved by greater accountability and specific standards formulated in consultation with medical professionals.
Reference
Chapman, G. (2022). Incarcerated and invisible: What happens to pregnant people in Georgia’s county jails?Atlanta Magazine. Web.