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Abstract: 

The increasing numbers of female inmates in American prisons and jails signifies that we have a rising number of pregnant inmates as well. From 1990 to 1998 the number of women in jails increased 60% and the number of women in prison increased 88%. This translates to more than 142,000 incarcerated women. Of these, between 5% and 6% are pregnant. Consequently, there are at least 7,000 inmates who require pre-natal care. Although the effect that incarceration may have on pregnancies may still be unclear, the legal responsibility of correctional health-care staff and administrators to pregnant inmates is well-established.

Keywords: Little v. Wylie, miscarriage, maternal starvation, renal failure, stillborn

Affiliations:  1: Pace University School of Law Library.