Motherhood Behind Bars: 10 Pregnant Inmates In MP Jails, Most Unable To Access Release
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The pregnant women incarcerated in Madhya Pradesh prisons on various charges can deliver babies in hospitals but they will experience motherhood as prisoners. Though guidelines provide for temporary release, parole or suspended sentences for pregnant women to allow childbirth outside jails, most of them are unable to take advantage of provision for want of awareness and…
In Madhya Pradesh, ten pregnant women are currently incarcerated, facing the harsh reality of giving birth behind bars. The majority of these women, eight in number, are undertrial prisoners, while two have already been convicted. They are housed in various jails across the state, including Bhopal, Sagar Central, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Vidisha, and Ujjain.
According to Varun Kapoor, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, the jail administration ensures that all necessary medical and other facilities are provided to pregnant inmates. These include a special diet with milk and fruits, regular visits from a gynaecologist, provision of iron and folic acid tablets, and vaccinations. When delivery time approaches, these women are admitted to local government hospitals, and their family members are informed.
The expenses for childbirth, along with the Janani Suraksha Yojana benefits from the state government, are handed over to the inmates. Following delivery, traditional laddoos made of jaggery and dry fruits are also provided. The mothers continue to reside in their respective barracks during this period, with other inmates taking care of them. Additional comforts, such as cravings from the jail canteen or deliveries from home, are also arranged.
Interestingly, the address of the mother in hospital records does not indicate her incarceration. Instead, only the name of the locality and city where the jail is located is mentioned. This is done to prevent the child from carrying a stigma throughout life. The authorities are obligated to ensure that the jail has the necessary facilities for child delivery before sending a pregnant woman there.
Moreover, arrangements for temporary release, parole, or a suspended sentence are made whenever possible to allow the expectant prisoner to give birth outside the prison.
In a recent development, a court in Nashik granted bail to pregnant Nida Khan in a TCS case, emphasizing the unbearable trauma of giving birth in prison. This decision echoes the circumstances surrounding the birth of Lord Krishna. Meanwhile, in another news, the GRP in Bhopal has recovered ₹62.26 lakh from a train theft case and traced 177 phones.
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