NCJ Number
125193
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 20,22,24
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because women have only recently been accepted as legitimate correctional officers, concerns about pregnancy and child care are magnified.
Abstract
Departments of correction nationwide are hiring more and younger women than ever. As the number of women in their childbearing years increases, so must the effort to meet the needs of the pregnant correctional officer. The issues of liability, fetal safety, and job security must be addressed. Many options are being used in this situation: reassignment to safer job situations; allowing officers to continue their jobs as normal; or encouraging officers to take leave from the beginning of the second trimester until after the baby is born. Each of these alternatives has advantages and disadvantages. Staff morale may be affected by reassigning pregnant officers, however, the fetus is given the maximum possible safety. Allowing the officer to stay in her current position may be dangerous to the unborn child, but may add a humanizing factor to the prison situation. Going on leave at the beginning of the second trimester is the safest solution for the fetus, but few people can afford this option. Therefore, when dealing with pregnant correctional officers each situation must be dealt with on an individual basis.