Hospital Restrictions Experienced by Women who Give Birth While Incarcerated

• DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2024.a943977
• Publication Date: 2024-11-20T10:11:30Z
• Authors: Alleigh Stahman; Mollee K. Steely ...; Melissa J. Zielinski
• Keywords: Medical record; Limiting

Abstract: Women who are incarcerated give birth in community hospitals, but under conditions that differ dramatically from women present settings. However, systematic examinations of the full breadth possible restrictions imposed upon hospitalized for childbirth and recovery lacking, limiting knowledge on how carceral status affects hospital practices this population. To bridge gap, we identified electronic medical records 180 gave a community-based while custody state prison between June 2014 July 2022 extracted textual data related to care during hospitalization recovery. We found 45 contained documentation one or more atypical restrictions. Specific documented mother-infant contact ( n =14), shackling =12), breastfeeding =10), infant-caregiver visitation =8), infant pictures =6), health service access/involvement =3). Implications discussed.