Pregnant Women Face Prison Time: Republicans Push for Draconian Laws

Republicans Push to Increase Pregnant Women Behind Bars, New Book Sheds Light on Their Experiences A growing number of Republican lawmakers are advocating for stricter laws that would treat pregnancy outcomes as homicide, potentially leading to more pregnant women being incarcerated nationwide. This push comes at a time when the fastest-growing population of people behind bars is women, with Black and Latina women disproportionately represented. According to "Birth Behind Bars," a new book by Rebecca Rodriguez Carey, which provides rare insight into the lives of pregnant women in prisons, these laws would have devastating consequences for women who are already struggling to access healthcare. Carey's book is based on extensive research and interviews with over 100 pregnant women incarcerated in the United States. "These laws are not just about abortion; they're about controlling women's bodies," said Carey in an interview. "Women who are already marginalized and vulnerable will be disproportionately affected by these policies." The push to criminalize pregnancy outcomes has been gaining momentum since the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had protected a woman's right to abortion for nearly five decades. While some lawmakers claim they do not intend to punish women who seek abortions, experts warn that such laws would inevitably lead to more women being charged with homicide. President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has also led to an increase in the number of pregnant immigrant women being detained and deported. A report by Sen. Jon Ossoff's office last month revealed that officials are using fetal heartbeat laws to justify detaining pregnant immigrants, often without access to medical care or due process. The consequences of these policies will be felt most acutely by Black and Latina women, who already make up a disproportionate number of incarcerated people in the United States. According to the Sentencing Project, Black women are 3.5 times more likely to be imprisoned than white women, while Latina women are 2.4 times more likely. Carey's book highlights the human cost of these policies, which often involve separating pregnant women from their families and denying them access to medical care. "These laws are not just about politics; they're about people," said Carey. "They're about the lives of women who are already struggling to survive." As lawmakers continue to push for stricter laws, advocates are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences for women's health and well-being. "We need to be clear: these policies will harm women, not help them," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union. The future of these policies remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the experiences of pregnant women in prisons will continue to be a pressing concern for lawmakers and advocates alike. *Reporting by Motherjones.*