Advocating for Pregnant Women in Prison

Abstract

On any given day, approximately 6%-10% of women who are incarcerated in prisons and jails in the United States are pregnant. Although incarcerated pregnant women have been identified as a high-risk group because of compromised physical and emotional health when they enter these settings, their specific healthcare needs are frequently unmet or partially met during their imprisonment. Stressors imposed by prison life and separation from their newborn at birth often exacerbate existing mental health issues including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Nurses in correctional settings play a strategic role in improving the health care of this population by promoting teamwork, incorporating standards of care, and advocating for changes in policies. Collaboration with the warden, physician or nurse practitioner, correctional officers, and social workers can lead to positive changes in health outcomes. Given the national emphasis on gender responsive treatment in prisons and jails, a window of opportunity exists to be a voice for these women and make significant changes in health care for this largely underserved [corrected] population.

Corrections officers’ knowledge and perspectives of maternal and child health policies and programs for pregnant women in prison

“…Policies and programs that aim to support the health of pregnant women have been implemented in some prisons across the country (Baldwin et al 2018;Ferszt et al 2013). Using a public health framework, this paper defines services that seek to support the mental, physical, and emotional health of pregnant women in prison and their children as "maternal and child health (MCH)" programs and policies.…”

“…Previous research has examined the knowledge and perceptions that some of these key stakeholders have of MCH policies and programs for pregnant women in prison (Campbell and Carlson 2012;Ferszt and Clarke 2012;Fritz and Whiteacre 2016;Schroeder and Bell 2005a, b;Shlafer et al 2014;Williams and Schulte-day 2006;Wismont 2000). However, the majority of this research has been with health care providers, particularly nurses (Ferszt et al 2013;Goshin et al 2019;Zust et al 2013), and other key stakeholders have been considered less often.…”

Labor in Chains: The Shackling of Pregnant Inmates

“…Organizations such as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association are joining civil-rights groups such as the Rebecca Project for Human Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union to advocate for ending perinatal shackling (American Medical Association 2015). The American Nurses Association specifically encourages advocacy in its Code of Ethics, stating that nurses are expected to protect and advocate for the rights, health, and safety of the patients they treat (Ferszt, Hickey, and Seleyman 2013). Correctional nurses are particularly suited for this role and can work to foster collaboration between medical staff, correctional staff, social workers, and prison wardens to identify problematic trends in the treatment of pregnant prisoners.…”

Logoterapi Meningkatkan Harga Diri Narapidana Perempuan Pengguna Narkotika

“…Salah satu bentuk upaya yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan melibatkan perawat. Pelayanan keperawatan di Lapas atau Correctional Health Nursing (CHN), salah satunya adalah pemberian terapi yang berguna untuk membantu narapidana perempuan meningkatkan harga diri selama di Lapas dan setelah bebas (Ferszt, Hickey, & Seleyman, 2013).…”