Incarcerated Woman Gives Birth At Correctional Facility In CT

NIANTIC, CT — Medical staff at the York Correctional Institution successfully delivered a baby at the facility after an incarcerated woman went into labor on Saturday afternoon, according to officials.

The woman, who is in her early 20s, was admitted to the facility on Friday night on charges of violation of a protective order, according to officials.

Officials said a medical assessment found that the woman was “approximately eight months pregnant, detoxing from opiates, and she reported to have not received any prenatal care.”

“DOC Medical personnel took all necessary precautions to provide enhanced medical care and the decision was made to assign her to the medical unit where she could be closely monitored,” officials wrote in a news release.

The woman informed the unit staff around 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, that she believed she was in labor.

“Medical staff immediately assessed her condition and called 911,” the news release states. “Facility medical staff delivered the baby in the medical unit, before an ambulance arrived on scene. The new mother and her baby were transported via ambulance to the local community hospital for further evaluation.”

Officials said a preliminary review of “treatment documentation is in line with policy requirements.”

“She was assessed at a community hospital prior to intake at the facility and had multiple contacts with nursing staff throughout the night,” officials wrote. “Her last assessment was just two hours before active labor at which time she had no complaints.”

The woman’s identity isn’t being released due to confidentiality protections, officials said.

“We are proud to report the mother and the baby are doing well and are receiving medical care following this birth,” Commissioner Angel Quiros said in a statement. “I am proud that our medical team was prepared to receive this woman, and she was able to receive the necessary resources and attention which are required for a woman going through prenatal care. Following policy and established protocols for expectant incarcerated mothers, our nursing staff safely delivered a baby during a situation where active labor to delivery was literally just a couple of minutes.

“I commend the facility custody and health services staff for the quick response and remarkable care they provided. They were true professionals approaching a very sensitive situation with decency, respect and grace.”