Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women

This past Friday, Truthout published an article on the record (and still-growing) numbers of incarcerated mothers in the United States. I was one of the people interviewed for the article (but that's not the only reason you should read it):

It is well known that the United States imprisons a higher percentage of its population than any other industrialized country.

Lois of The Real Cost of Prisons Project sent this to me a while back, but I only now had a chance to read it. For those of you interested in promoting safety and justice without relying on prisons, read this!

Partnership for Safety and Justice: Moving Beyond Sides: The Power and Potential of a New Public Safety Policy Paradigm By David Rogers & Kerry Naughton (December 2011).

(Author note: I am shocked (and delighted). Of course, let's see if this passes and then whether Maricopa County's infamous Sheriff Joe Arpaio actually complies):

A bipartisan group of lawmakers hopes Arizona will join 14 other states in limiting how and when jails can shackle pregnant women.

Democrats have tried unsuccessfully to push legislation for the past two years. But this year, the effort may see some success. Republicans are sponsoring bills in both the House and Senate.

from Diana Block at California Coalition for Women Prisoners:

from Rising from the Ashes

Click here for a video of Shawanna Nelson speaking on her experience of being inhumanely chained and denied pain management during the delivery of her son Jordan in 2003. As a result of her experience she brought suit against the Arkansas Department of Correction and the CO who chained her.

Please sign the petition and then let others know.

SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW is dedicated to creating the resources that we need to build and strengthen communities fighting for reproductive justice in Georgia and through the South.

from California Bars Prisoner From Reading 'The Atlantic':

Resistance Behind Bars is going into a second printing! The new edition will be out in Fall 2012.

Monday, December 19, 2011