3.
The textbook discusses that medical care, resources, and programs are varying across institutions. Most institutions are lacking and do not want to spend the cost to take care of the pregnant inmates because they is a very small number of pregnant inmates. The textbook also states that with the increase in pregnant inmates policies and procedures need to change to accommodate the pregnant inmate and especially the baby. .
The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) standards states for pregnant inmates, "Formerly P-55, This essential standard intends that the health of the pregnant inmate and her unborn child are protected".4The Indiana Women's Prison policy is, "to make all necessary arrangements to provide a healthy environment for the pregnant inmate and her unborn child".5 .
A correctional officer in the O.B. unit at The Indiana Women's Prison shared the procedures from the pregnant inmate entering the system to the birth of her baby. Every female inmate is required to take a series of tests. These tests include, pregnancy, HIV, drug usage, and many more. A RN at the prison administers these tests. .
Once an inmate is notified that she is pregnant, she is automatically put on the clinic schedule. Every Thursday all pregnant inmates are taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital for a complete check up. This check up will determine how far along the inmate is in her pregnancy. In addition to the check up the inmate meets with a social worker to discusses with the inmate who will be caring for the baby after delivery. The individual that will be caring for the baby has to meet certain criteria in order to obtain temporary custody. The inmates that have any type of charges relating to child molestation or child abuse against any of their other children, CPS (Child Protection Services) is notified. The social worker at Wishard and the social worker at IWP (Indiana Women's Prison) work very close with each other to make sure inmates are being truthful at all time doing this session.