Caged Women and Wombs: Mistreatment of Incarcerated Pregnant Women

Abstract

In this paper I explore the numerous ways incarcerated pregnant women are mistreated throughout the pregnancy. This includes the stories of women impregnated by prison guards, not given adequate prenatal care or diets, forced to work while pregnant, and the violent medical experiences they have. Additionally, I explore how these issues differ across states as the prison system is highly variable across the US. The paper also takes into account how women often become incarcerated due to vulnerable circumstances.