Care of pregnant women in the criminal justice system

Regina Cardaci1

  • 1Queensborough Community College, City University of New York, Bayside, USA. regina.cardaci@gmail.com

Current practices in the treatment and transfer of pregnant inmates in this country may negatively affect maternal and fetal health or well-being. Some violate federal or state laws; others conflict with standards of obstetric care and are widely considered unethical or inhumane. This article discusses these practices; their legal status; and implications for nursing practice, policy, and research.

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