Recent revelations from a report by Buzzfeed News have brought to light the alarming treatment faced by pregnant women in immigration detention facilities across the United States. These women, many experiencing miscarriages, have reportedly been denied critical medical attention while in custody. Multiple sources have confirmed incidents of inadequate care in at least six different detention centers nationwide.
Testimonies from women who have miscarried, along with medical and legal professionals, paint a disturbing picture of life in these facilities since the Trump administration took office. Reports include instances of women being shackled around their midsections and being subjected to both physical and emotional trauma. Virginia Sushila Schwerin, a midwife and nurse from Circle of Health International, emphasized the specialized needs of pregnant women, stating, “This is a high-risk group. It’s inhumane to detain them.”
One woman, identified as Maria, shared her harrowing experience when she began experiencing severe bleeding and urgently sought help from the facility staff. “An official came and told me it wasn’t a hospital, and they weren’t doctors. They refused to assist me,” Maria recounted. “I realized I was losing my baby.” Having fled from Honduras in search of a safer environment, Maria was four months pregnant at the time of her miscarriage and received no medical care. She spent nearly a week lying in bed, overwhelmed by grief and pain, expressing her fear for other pregnant women who might suffer similarly.
Under the Obama administration, ICE was instructed to avoid detaining pregnant women except in extreme cases. However, this policy was reversed in December 2017, allowing for the detention of pregnant women not yet in their third trimester. Although the current regulations mandate that ICE ensure proper medical care for pregnant detainees, the Buzzfeed report indicates these protocols are largely ignored. Pregnant women have faced denials of medical assistance even during emergencies and have been subjected to shackling during transport between facilities.
Healthcare professionals working in these detention centers have reported witnessing various forms of abuse. Incidents include a woman who fell while eight months pregnant and was refused hospital access, as well as others experiencing miscarriages without any medical intervention. The report also highlighted cases where women were forced to wear ill-fitting clothing that caused physical harm, and one instance where a woman underwent multiple x-rays, despite medical guidelines advising against such procedures.
Dr. Anjani Kolahi, an obstetrician with Physicians for Reproductive Health, pointed out the dangers of shackling pregnant women, stating that such practices can pose risks to both the mother and the unborn child. “This is absolutely medical negligence,” she asserted. “Detaining pregnant women creates unnecessary risks and is a cruel practice.”
The Trump administration lacks accurate, real-time statistics on the number of pregnant women in detention. However, ICE reported that from December 14, 2017, to April 7, 2018, a total of 590 pregnant women were held. One detainee, 30-year-old Laura, described her experience of being denied medical care during a critical moment, ultimately leading to her loss. “The trauma inflicted is indescribable. This is no place for anyone, let alone pregnant women,” Laura lamented.
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Summary
The treatment of pregnant women in immigration detention facilities has come under scrutiny, with reports of denied medical care and abusive practices. Testimonies reveal the trauma faced by these women, raising ethical concerns about their detention. Advocates emphasize the need for compassionate care and highlight the risks posed by current policies.
Keyphrase: ICE treatment of pregnant women
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