In a recent government meeting, advocates highlighted alarming concerns regarding the treatment of incarcerated pregnant women, emphasizing the detrimental impact of staff disbelief on their health and safety. Testimonies from Miss Grant and Miss Tramiel revealed a troubling pattern where correctional staff often dismiss the urgent needs of pregnant women, labeling them as troublemakers or attention-seekers when they request medical assistance.

Miss Grant recounted instances where guards ignored cries for help during labor, while Miss Tramiel echoed similar sentiments, noting that staff attitudes towards incarcerated women are generally negative. Both advocates stressed that the prevailing belief among correctional staff is that these women deserve the mistreatment they receive, leading to a dangerous environment where timely medical care is frequently withheld.

The advocates underscored the critical nature of labor and the potential consequences of not being believed, including severe risks to both the mother and child. They pointed out that complications such as umbilical cord issues can arise during labor, and if a woman is not recognized as being in labor, she may not receive the necessary care in time. This lack of belief can ultimately lead to tragic outcomes, including maternal and infant mortality.

The testimonies shed light on a systemic issue within correctional facilities, where inadequate staffing and negative attitudes contribute to a culture of neglect towards pregnant inmates. The advocates called for urgent reforms to ensure that the health and safety of incarcerated pregnant women are prioritized, emphasizing that their lives and the lives of their children depend on it.