U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff convened a Human Rights Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, July 31. The proceedings focused on allegations of abuse against pregnant and post-partum women. Ossoff chairs the subcommittee. He launched an investigation into abuse claims in February of this year.
“Finding what I believe to be significant and pervasive abuse and mistreatment of pregnant and post-partum women behind bars,” Ossoff stated.
Jessica Umberger was formerly incarcerated for five years. She testified she was forced to have a C-section and later had to pay for the procedure, which she did not want.
“When I explained to the doctor that I was told I had to have a c-section but that I wanted a natural birth, the doctor said it sounded like ‘coercion’ to him,” according to Umberger.
Umberger described allegations of a lack of treatment for others as well.
“I was there for nine months, and I saw several babies born in the hallway when I was there,” she testified. “I remember women screaming for help and praying out loud for medical attention, all of us where scared, stressed, and vulnerable.”
Women are often shackled during birth and their infants are typically removed within a day of giving birth.
“I had only two short hours to hold and look at my baby. This would be the last time I would see her for a few years.”
Ossoff said he believes the potential of bipartisan support for reform is possible. A second meeting is planned for Wednesday, August 14.
