Williams describes systemic gaps and dehumanizing treatment in correctional facilities
Williams cites ACOG guidance and says incarcerated pregnant people often face inadequate care, delayed obstetric responses, isolation during delivery, and shackling. He notes post-delivery separation increases postpartum depression risks.
Unfortunately, incarcerated pregnant persons frequently do not receive adequate care due to systemic gaps and harsh, sometimes barely humane conditions across correctional systems.
Pregnant and postpartum individuals often face a variety of medical and emotional challenges, including complications during pregnancy.
The physical demands of childbirth and mental health conditions that emerge are worsened during pregnancy or after delivery.
These conditions are often exacerbated by the failure of many jails and prisons to provide full access to medications for opioid use disorders or the abrupt stoppage of treatment.
Postpartum, increasing overdose risks.
Dehumanizing treatment reported by incarcerated pregnant people, including inadequate prenatal monitoring, delayed responses to obstetric symptoms, isolation during delivery, and the traumatic use of shackles during labor, a practice banned in New York in 2009.
In addition, the rapid post-delivery separation from newborns remains a deeply distressing reality in most facilities and has led to increased rates of post-mortem depression.
These concerns are particularly important in correction of safety.
where individuals must rely on the facility to access care.