LETTER FROM OUR CEO: “WOMEN DESERVE BETTER”

Written By Operation Restoration

As we take the time to reset and invest in the future of Operation Restoration, it is imperative that we bring to the forefront the persistent challenges incarcerated women face in Louisiana.

A recent report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA) on the “Treatment and Care of Incarcerated Females” shares grave details of how women are treated while incarcerated in Louisiana despite existing laws that regulate treatment of incarcerated women. This includes the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act (2018), which OR spearheaded and advocated tirelessly for, ultimately leading to its passage. The report indicates that none of Louisiana’s local jails included in the report have adequate written procedures that cover how incarcerated women in the state should be treated. While the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) – the only state facility for women – provides sufficient access to basic medical services, access at local jails varies.

The LLA also highlights that 60 percent of local jails surveyed also have no procedures limiting the use of restraints during pregnancy and postpartum recovery even though a statewide law prohibiting the use of restraints passed in 2012. Other significant findings include:

  • Local jails fail to satisfactorily address healthcare needs of women during and after pregnancy; 

  • Most local jails don’t provide preventive health screenings to women;

  • Incarcerated women tend to have less access to educational, vocational and recreational  opportunities than their male counterparts; 

  • About 80 percent of incarcerated women are mothers to young children, and most local jails do not allow in-person visitation.

As evidenced by our most recent win in the Louisiana legislature which addresses education access, we will continue to  advocate for laws addressing the human rights of incarcerated women.  It takes all of us – we can’t look away, and we must collectively demand better at all levels.

In Solidarity,

Syrita Steib

Founder, President & CEO

Operation Restoration

Operation Restoration
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