Advocates Report Miscarriages, Bleeding Among Pregnant Women in ICE Custody
A recent report highlights serious concerns related to medical neglect and mistreatment among pregnant women in ICE custody. Over a dozen women revealed alarming experiences, including miscarriages and inadequate medical care while detained. The information was shared in a letter directed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials and various Senate committees.
Key Findings from Advocates’ Report
The letter was authored by Eunice Cho, a senior counsel with the ACLU’s National Prison Project. She emphasized that the cases documented are just a glimpse of the larger issue. Many women reported being shackled during miscarriages and denied basic medical care.
- Women have requested prenatal vitamins but faced refusals.
- Instances of being held in solitary confinement occurred.
- The letter cited a total of 14 credible accounts of mistreatment, as reported by Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office.
Experiences of Women in ICE Custody
Among the women whose accounts were shared, a woman named Lucia detailed suffering heavy vaginal bleeding while detained. Despite her pleas for medical assistance, care was delayed. She was ultimately transported to an emergency room where she required a blood transfusion and was informed of her miscarriage.
An additional account from a woman named Marie described her ongoing health issues after being enrolled in ICE custody. Detained while pregnant, she faced solitary confinement and inadequate medical care. Marie suffered psychological effects that persisted long after her release.
Advocates’ Demands
The groups behind the letter, which include the ACLU and the National Immigration Project, are urging ICE to identify and release all pregnant women in custody. They request a cessation of detaining individuals known to be pregnant, postpartum, or nursing absent extraordinary circumstances.
Government Response
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to comment on the allegations detailed in the report. Previously, a DHS spokesperson claimed that assertions about mistreatment were unfounded, asserting that ICE facilities provide proper meals and medical care to all detainees.
The advocacy organizations argue the conditions described violate policy directives established by the Biden administration aimed at protecting vulnerable detainees, yet enforcement of these policies remains inconsistent.
Conclusion
The issue of pregnant women in ICE custody raises significant legal and ethical questions. As advocates continue to push for policy changes, the call for better treatment and appropriate medical care for these women grows louder.
