Edly-Allen to protect incarcerated pregnant individuals

State Senator Mary Edly-Allen Passes Initiative to Protect Pregnant and Postpartum Incarcerated Individuals

Introduction

State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, a Democrat from Libertyville, has successfully passed an initiative aimed at aligning nutrition and restraint protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals in state prisons. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that all pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals in county jails and prisons across Illinois are granted the same rights and protections.

House Bill 5431

House Bill 5431, which can be accessed here, seeks to address the lack of humane treatment of pregnant and postpartum people by aligning their rights statewide. In addition, this legislation mandates the annual reporting of pregnancies, births, miscarriages, and the use of restraints in correctional facilities. Furthermore, it requires the provision of supplemental nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding prisoners.

Importance of the Initiative

Colette Payne, the Director of the Reclamation Project at the Women’s Justice Institute, emphasizes the emotional distress experienced by incarcerated mothers. Being separated from their families and facing difficulties in maintaining relationships with their children and loved ones can be extremely challenging. Payne highlights the need to support the mothering role of pregnant women and all women in custody. The practice of shackling pregnant women during childbirth and postpartum is not supportive and should be discontinued to prevent harm.

Conclusion

House Bill 5431 has successfully passed the Senate and is now awaiting further consideration by the governor. By aligning the rights and protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals, this initiative contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content

• SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
• SDG 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early, and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

• Number of pregnant and postpartum individuals in state prisons and county jails.
• Number of facilities providing supplemental nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding prisoners.
• Number of facilities reporting on pregnancies, births, miscarriages, and the use of restraints.
• Number of facilities that have aligned their policies and procedures to ensure equal protections for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: illinoissenatedemocrats.com