Dear John -

With more than two million people behind bars, the United States has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world, and it continues to grow each year [1]. Mass incarceration now impacts at least half of U.S. families [2], with women making up the fastest growing population in prisons [3]. With discriminatory policies, unfair policing of communities, and more, people who need support and resources are instead being funneled into our prison system.

Inside, inmates often experience inhumane living conditions, and pregnant inmates can be subjected to dangerous practices such as being denied access to prenatal care, being shackled during childbirth, and solitary confinement. Controlling inmates’ reproduction doesn’t end there, with some judges offering reduced sentences for those who undergo ‘voluntary’ sterilization or go on a form of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) [4].

The impact of being incarcerated or detained is life-altering, and can be a barrier to housing, employment, and voting.

Learn more by signing up for our next monthly Act and Learn webinar, “Incarceration and Reproductive Oppression” taking place tonight, August 27, at 7:00 p.m., ET.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Kimberly Haven, Coalition & Policy Director for Reproductive Justice Inside
• Crystal Hayes, MSW, Social Work Doctoral Candidate at the University of Connecticut
• Yveka Pierre, Esq., Litigation Counsel, If/When/How

As the ‘pro-life’ movement continues their campaign to criminalize abortion and other pregnancy outcomes, it is essential that we take a closer look at prisons and the intersection of incarceration and reproductive oppression.

Sign up now for our next monthly Act and Learn webinar, “Incarceration and Reproductive Oppression” taking place this evening, August 27, at 7:00 p.m., ET.

Sincerely,

Erin, Pamela, Caitlin, Elizabeth, Evonnia, Jessica, Kara, Nataley, Shireen, Clay, Desireé, Kylie, Magge, Sha’Tisha, Veronika, and the Reproaction team

1. https://www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/US.html
2. https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2019/jul/2/new-study-finds-mass-incarceration-impacts-over-half-us-families/
3. https://sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Trends-in-US-Corrections.pdf
4. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-offers-inmates-reduced-sentences-exchange-vasectomy-n785256

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