Reproductive Justice Behind Bars

       When discussing reproductive justice for women who are incarcerated it is important to understand who is fighting for women's rights and how individual people can help. Attention is brought to these issues through campaigns such as the Reproductive freedom for All, activist group that is spreading awareness about the current government policies and events that affect reproductive justice such as project 2025 and the changes in the cabinet. They also help rally people together for events across the country through different events that anyone is able to attend. Another large organization that reports reproductive justice movements is the Center for Reproductive Rights. This organization reports on global issues and how they are fighting for women, but it also has a large focus on American politics. They're latest report was on the “They are Girls Not Mothers” rulings that were discussed at the Quito press conference. These organizations also have multiple socia...

  "Nutritional Deficiencies and Food Insecurity During Pregnancy: Implications and Unseen Challenges" looks at how pregnant women's and fetuses' health is harmed by insufficient access to vital nutrients (such as iron and folate) and unpredictable food availability. While food insecurity refers to the difficulty in affording or obtaining nutrient-dense food because of poverty, structural injustices, or geographic restrictions (such as living in a food desert), nutritional deficiencies refer to inadequate consumption of vitamins and minerals essential for embryonic growth. These problems are associated with difficulties such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental problems, and they disproportionately affect underprivileged communities.  Less well-known facts include the psychological effects of food insecurity pregnant women frequently experience untreated stress, anxiety, or depression as a result of hunger or financial hardship. Maternal malnutrition ...

  Solitary confinement entails being isolated in small cells for 22–24 hours a day with little access to leisure activities, medical care, or human interaction. This increases the risk of premature labor, mental health crises like depression or trauma, and insufficient prenatal care (such as missed ultrasounds or nutrient-deficient meals) for expectant mothers. The study shockingly discloses that some women are put in solitary just for asking for accommodations linked to pregnancy, while others give birth in cells by themselves without medical assistance. Less well-known aspects include the disproportionate impact on women of color, the absence of federal limits on this practice, and the fact that state laws are left to their own devices. Despite alternatives like community based programs, advocates point out that solitary is frequently utilized as a default rather than a last resort. The article emphasizes the pressing need for change by showing how punitive isolation puts th...

An observational study was constructed through interviews with thirty-five women who had experienced prison. The study showed a lack of contraception, abortion, and over the counter medication for menstrual pain. Sexual and reproductive health were said to be overlooked and taken less seriously to the point prisoners quit asking for medical attention for smaller issues. One lady stated, “Like you can barely get a Tylenol in there let alone birth control or abortion”. This led to the conditions worsening and possibly turning into medical emergencies. This also led to an increase in post release medical needs. Another lady commented “Because the doctor is also the methadone doctor too so when she comes on Wednesdays , she also has to see the 25 people on methadone or suboxone.” These women reported the treatment being more focused on substance abuse recovery, especially for opioid addiction. This prevented the doctors from providing the sexual and reproductive health care the women nee...

 Many transgender men and non-binary people assigned female at birth are placed in women’s facilities due to policies prioritizing birth sex or genitalia over gender identity. This results in frequent misgendering, harassment, and violence from both staff and inmates. Prenatal care is often inadequate, lacking essentials like ultrasounds or safe birthing conditions, and gender-affirming care (hormone therapy) is routinely denied, worsening mental health during pregnancy. Discrimination compounds these issues, with many facing bullying, sexual violence, or isolation sometimes through solitary confinement, which limits medical access and intensifies psychological distress. Advocates argue these conditions violate basic human rights, including dignity, health, and safety. Calls for reform focus on placing incarcerated individuals in facilities aligned with their gender identity, training staff on transgender needs, and improving healthcare access. Legal challenges, such as Diamond v. ...

  Telemedicine in prisons refers to the use of digital tools (video calls, remote monitoring) to provide healthcare to incarcerated individuals. For pregnant people in prisons, virtual prenatal care addresses a critical gap: incarcerated women often face high-risk pregnancies due to limited access to specialists, delayed care, and poor health conditions. Virtual prenatal programs connect them with obstetricians, midwives, or maternal health specialists remotely, allowing for regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and education on prenatal nutrition and labor preparation.  This approach improves outcomes by ensuring timely interventions, reducing the need for high-security (and costly) transportation to off-site clinics, and addressing stigma or neglect in prison healthcare systems. For example, programs may include virtual consultations for high-risk pregnancies, mental health support, or postpartum follow-ups. However, challenges like limited internet access in prisons, privacy conc...