John,

Congratulations Tonie Willis! After four years of hard work, Dignity for Incarcerated women was passed and signed into law by Governor Shapiro. DIW will ensure that incarcerated pregnant women and their babies will be treated humanely. 

Here’s what DIW will do for incarcerated women in Pennsylvania: 

• Restrict invasive strip searches
• Facilitate family connections
• Change the treatment of pregnant women
• Provide proper food and supplements
• Allow newborns to remain with mothers post-delivery
• Supply feminine hygiene products at no extra cost

These are huge measures to bring dignity to the PA criminal legal system and to ensure basic, humane treatment to a vulnerable population behind bars. 

This big win comes on the heels of several other state campaign wins that saw important bills passed in five states all led by Dream.Org’s Empathy Network Leaders. They include: 

• Mississippi: Financial Fairness for Families provided a new start for justice-impacted families.
• Kentucky: Public Health & Safety decriminalized life-saving Fentanyl testing strips.
• Washington: Juvenile Sentencing Reform made it illegal to use juvenile convictions as a means to increase adult sentencing.
• Arkansas: Successful advocacy led to policies aiding formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society.
• Oregon: Oregon House Bill 2535 created a Doula program inside Oregon's only women's prison for incarcerated women who were pregnant

And now Pennsylvania is right behind them,  with the Dignity for Incarcerated Women bill on the verge of being signed by Gov. Shapiro!

On behalf of Dream.Org, PA Empathy Network Leader Tonie Wilis and the rest of our amazing state campaign leaders we want to say thank you for doing your part to bring dignity to PA. With the support of PA residents like you we have been able to make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of women across the state. 

In solidarity,
— The Dream.Org Team 

P.S. If you are inspired by work like this and want to help Dream.Org continue to make positive changes in the criminal legal system, consider making a donation. Your donation will go towards campaigns that will directly impact the lives of tens of thousands of Americans and is tax deductible.