Babies born to mothers who are serving time in prison could get off to a better start thanks to new policy directives meant to help newborn babies and offer adequate medical care to incarcerated mothers.
The Michigan Department of Corrections is formalizing its current practices such as limiting restraints during delivery and providing pain relief, while also giving new mothers time with their babies after delivery.
In reference to the practices, Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington said, “We are pleased to be able to build upon our past practices and policies to further enhance our commitment to providing a safe experience for women who come to us while pregnant and are under our care and supervision.”
Washington said that care is taken to “ensure pregnant and post-partum prisoners have their physical and mental health needs met during this time.”
Under the new directive, incarcerated women will be able to have a support person present during labor and will be able to visit with their newborns under most circumstances.
The directive was advocated by State Senator Erika Geiss, who called the measures a way to reduce generational trauma.
Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland
