Shevrin Jones to file bill protecting imprisoned pregnant women after baby born in Alachua jail died

Shev Jones 3
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has also promised an investigation into the incident.

Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones says in light of a newborn dying earlier this month after being born in an Alachua County jail, he’ll refile a measure protecting pregnant women who are arrested.

Erica Thompson says she screamed for staff to help as she gave birth to the infant at just six months. Thompson says when she was arrested she told jail staff she felt contractions.

“When I said that, I felt like all bets were off, everybody needs to be coming in here trying to check on me and see what’s going on,” she told CBS 4. “I’ve had kids before, so I know exactly how it feels. I’m about to have my baby, I’m not just talking.”

Thompson said she gave birth alone in her cell. Her child was transferred to the hospital alive but later died. Doctors said the baby was too small to survive. Thompson says the baby could have been saved if officials had provided quicker treatment at the jail.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has promised an investigation into the incident. But Sen. Jones, who has worked to protect the rights of women inmates before, said he’ll be filing legislation to codify additional protections into law.

“Today I am re-filing the ‘Protecting the Dignity of Women and Infants Act’ and renaming it ‘Ava’s Law’ in the lost child’s memory,” Jones said in a Tuesday statement.

“Women are the fastest growing prison population in this country, and yet, they are treated shamefully. Accessible care ought to be a human right because all people, regardless of societal or economic status, deserve safe, healthy environments, access to basic necessities, and above all, dignity.”

Jones’ legislation would require officials to notify women who are arrested that they have a right to ask for a pregnancy test, according to a release from the Senator. That test must be administered if she is not released on bond within 72 hours of her arrest.

Among other provisions, the bill would also require women to be provided with “a postpartum pregnancy assessment, which includes information regarding any necessary medical tests, procedures, lactation support, or treatments associated with her postpartum condition,” if requested.

The baby’s death has triggered protests outside the Alachua County jail where Thompson was held. Jones represents portions of South Florida. His district stretches across Broward and Miami-Dade counties. But Jones has been active in this area before.

In 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation sponsored by Jones that requires correctional facilities to provide feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes and toilet paper at no cost to women.

“This is shameful, disgusting, and should not happen to any woman anywhere, especially those who are vulnerable and under government care,” Jones said of the recent incident.

“I share the community’s calls for a full, thorough, and transparent investigation, and ultimately, accountability.”

Ryan Nicol

Ryan Nicol covers news out of South Florida for Florida Politics. Ryan is a native Floridian who attended undergrad at Nova Southeastern University before moving on to law school at Florida State. After graduating with a law degree he moved into the news industry, working in TV News as a writer and producer, along with some freelance writing work. If you'd like to contact him, send an email to [email protected].


2 comments

  • Catherine M Robinson

    August 25, 2021 at 7:17 am

    The “nursing” staff at the Alachua county jail need to be investigated. This is not the first time I have heard about gross negligence from the staff there.

  • Suzan

    August 25, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    USA citizens can now get this job and earns more dollars by go to this web.t last month i have made and received $17915 from this job by doing easy work in part time…. http://Pays11.com

Comments are closed.


#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories