Birthing Behind Bars Too often, issues of reproductive justice are separated from issues of incarceration. WORTH (Women on the Rise Telling HerStory) is collecting the stories and experiences of women who have experienced pregnancy while behind bars. Partnering with Thousand Kites, a media justice group, WORTH has created a website to share these video, audio and written accounts and a phone hotline where women can call to share their own stories. In addition, WORTH will also compile these stories into a book. Both the website and the book will tie women's individual experiences to the broader issues reproductive justice (or injustice) behind prison walls. These stories can be used to help push a state-bystate analysis of the intersections of reproductive justice and incarceration. WORTH is an advocacy/consultant group comprised of currently & formerly incarcerated women. We have the expertise and understanding to engage, navigate and challenge policy and perceptions concerning incarcerated women. Many of us have experienced pregnancy and childbirth behind bars. Drawing on our own experiences, stories and strengths, we’ve successfully changed the laws of New York State to prohibit the shackling of incarcerated women during labor and delivery. Now we are moving this campaign to the national level to fight for reproductive justice for all women behind bars.
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We do not publish individual cases, charges or court experiences. We do not publish religious materials. We also cannot act as liaisons between those in different facilities. Send submissions to: V. Law, PO Box 20388, New York, NY 10009 Tenacious is free to women in prison. Men in prison: please send $1 (made out to V. Law, NOT to Black Star Publishing) or 2 stamps to cover the cost of postage.
Those not in prison: your $3 will support sending free issues to incarcerated women across the United States.
Deadline: November 30, 2012
Cover illustration by a woman in Washington Correctional Center for Women
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