Nascer nas prisões | gestar, nascer e cuidar

VideoSaúde Distribuidora da Fiocruz
26 Sept 201724:25

Summary

TLDRThis video script delves into the stark realities of incarcerated women in Brazil, highlighting their struggles with pregnancy and childbirth while imprisoned. It underscores the rapid growth of Brazil's female prison population, which surged by 410% from 2000 to 2014. The narrative captures the women's experiences, from arrest to sentencing, and their health concerns, emphasizing the importance of prenatal care. It also addresses the social issues that lead to their incarceration and the systemic challenges they face, including inadequate healthcare and the dehumanizing treatment during childbirth. The script calls for a reevaluation of societal attitudes and policies towards imprisoned women, advocating for more humane and supportive approaches.

Takeaways

  • 🚔 The script discusses the issue of women being incarcerated in Brazil, highlighting the personal stories of several women who have been arrested and are facing various stages of pregnancy and motherhood behind bars.
  • 📈 From 2000 to 2014, Brazil's prison population increased by 120%, with the incarceration of women growing even more significantly at 410%, rising from 5,000 to 37,000 incarcerated women.
  • 🤰 A significant number of incarcerated women were pregnant at the time of their arrest, and many were yet to go on trial, indicating the complexity of their legal and health situations.
  • 🏥 The 'Nascer nas Prisões' research by Fiocruz highlights the importance of prenatal care for pregnant women in prison, noting that many enter prison without having received adequate care.
  • 🛑 The script points out the challenges faced by pregnant women in prison, such as the lack of access to proper healthcare and the stigma they face, which can affect the quality of care they receive.
  • 👶 The birthing process for incarcerated women is described, emphasizing the emotional and physical difficulties they face, including being handcuffed and separated from other patients.
  • 🚫 Despite legal protections against the use of restraints during childbirth, some women still report being handcuffed, reflecting a gap between policy and practice.
  • 👨‍⚕️ The script suggests that health professionals may benefit from additional training to better understand how to accommodate and treat incarcerated women with respect and dignity.
  • 🤝 The importance of family support during childbirth is emphasized, with the script noting the negative impact of denying incarcerated women the presence of a birth partner.
  • 🏡 The script raises questions about the role of prisons in providing care, suggesting that the incarceration of women is often a result of broader societal issues and a lack of access to social services.

Q & A

  • What was the primary reason for the women's incarceration mentioned in the script?

    -The primary reasons for the women's incarceration mentioned in the script were involvement in drug trafficking and theft, often stemming from romantic relationships or lack of other options.

  • How has Brazil's prison population changed from 2000 to 2014?

    -Brazil's prison population grew significantly from 2000 to 2014, increasing by about 120%, making it the fifth highest incarceration rate in the world.

  • What was the percentage increase of incarcerated women in Brazil during the same period?

    -The incarceration of women in Brazil increased by 410% from 2000 to 2014.

  • What was the main focus of the 'Nascer nas Prisões' research conducted between 2012 and 2014?

    -The 'Nascer nas Prisões' research focused mainly on pregnant women and women with babies in prison, aiming to understand their conditions and needs.

  • What was a common issue among the incarcerated women regarding pregnancy and prenatal care?

    -A common issue was that many women were arrested while pregnant and often did not receive prenatal care until their pregnancy was well advanced, which could lead to health issues for both the mother and the child.

  • How does the script describe the women's initial involvement in drug trafficking?

    -The script describes the women's initial involvement in drug trafficking as often stemming from romantic relationships or a lack of better options, rather than being career criminals.

  • What challenges do the women face in terms of healthcare while incarcerated?

    -The women face challenges such as lack of access to proper prenatal care, inadequate treatment for health issues like HIV and syphilis, and a general lack of understanding and accommodation from healthcare professionals due to their status as prisoners.

  • How does the script address the issue of women being handcuffed during childbirth?

    -The script highlights the inhumane practice of handcuffing women during childbirth and discusses the legal and ethical issues surrounding it, emphasizing the need for change and respect for the women's dignity.

  • What is the role of social services in the prison unit as described in the script?

    -Social services play an essential role in protecting the prisoners' rights, ensuring that despite their punishment, they still have access to necessary healthcare and other rights, with the exception of freedom.

  • What is the script's perspective on the societal view of prisoners and their treatment?

    -The script suggests that society often fails to address the root causes of women's incarceration and instead focuses on punishment, overlooking the need for social support and rehabilitation. It also points out the lack of empathy and understanding towards prisoners, even in sensitive situations like childbirth.

Outlines

00:00

📛 Incarceration of Pregnant Women in Brazil

The first paragraph introduces the issue of women's incarceration in Brazil, highlighting the personal stories of pregnant women and new mothers behind bars. It discusses the rise in the prison population, with a significant increase in the number of incarcerated women from 2000 to 2014. The narrative includes their experiences with drug trafficking, the impact of romantic relationships on their criminal involvement, and the harsh realities of prison life. It also touches on the societal and legal aspects that contribute to their situations, such as the role of law enforcement and the lack of support systems.

05:00

🤰 Pregnancy and Prison: The 'Nascer nas Prisões' Research

The second paragraph delves into the 'Nascer nas Prisões' research conducted between 2012 and 2014, focusing on the plight of pregnant women and mothers with infants in Brazilian prisons. It reveals that 90% of interviewed women were pregnant at the time of their arrest, many of whom had yet to face trial. The research underscores the importance of prenatal care, the challenges faced by pregnant inmates, and the stark contrast between the care they receive in prison versus the outside world. It also discusses the social services' role in protecting prisoners' rights and the difficulties in ensuring proper healthcare for both the mothers and their unborn children.

10:01

🏥 Healthcare and Discrimination in Prison

The third paragraph addresses the healthcare challenges faced by pregnant women in prison, including the lack of prenatal care and the impact of drug addiction on their health. It discusses the societal and institutional attitudes towards these women, often blaming them for their circumstances and overlooking the systemic issues that contribute to their plight. The narrative also touches on the broader social context, questioning the role of prisons as a form of care and the state's responsibility in addressing the needs of this vulnerable population.

15:03

🚫 The Struggle for Dignity in Childbirth

The fourth paragraph explores the experiences of women during childbirth while in prison, emphasizing the emotional and physical challenges they face. It discusses the legal protections in place to ensure their rights during labor and postpartum, such as the prohibition of handcuffs, and the gap between these laws and the reality of their treatment. The narrative highlights the importance of research in substantiating the experiences of these women and the need for societal change to ensure their rights are respected.

20:07

🤱 Discrimination and the Fight for Rights

The fifth paragraph continues the discussion on the treatment of pregnant women in prison, focusing on the discrimination they face and the efforts to ensure their rights are upheld. It describes the experiences of women giving birth in hospital settings, the use of handcuffs despite legal protections, and the impact of this treatment on their mental health. The narrative calls for increased awareness and education for health professionals to better accommodate the needs of incarcerated women and to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Incarceration

Incarceration refers to the act of confining a person in a prison or penitentiary. In the context of the video, it is a central theme that explores the experiences of women who are imprisoned, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. The video highlights the challenges faced by these women, such as the lack of prenatal care and the emotional toll of being separated from their families during a critical life event.

💡Pregnancy in prison

Pregnancy in prison is a key concept in the video that addresses the specific issues faced by incarcerated women who are expecting. It includes the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy, the healthcare provided to pregnant inmates, and the impact of imprisonment on both the mother and the unborn child. The video emphasizes the importance of proper prenatal care and the right to humane treatment during this time.

💡Non-negotiable basis

A non-negotiable basis refers to a condition or term that cannot be changed or compromised. In the video, this term is used to describe the initial sentencing of a woman to a fixed prison term with no possibility of negotiation or reduction. It underscores the rigidity of the legal system and the potential for harsh consequences for those convicted of crimes.

💡Drug trafficking

Drug trafficking is the illegal trade of drugs, which is mentioned in the video as a common reason for the incarceration of women. The script reveals that many women become involved in drug trafficking due to circumstances such as poverty, coercion, or romantic relationships, and it often leads to their arrest and imprisonment.

💡Prison population

The prison population refers to the total number of individuals incarcerated in a country or region. The video discusses the significant growth of Brazil's prison population, particularly among women, which has increased by 410% from 2000 to 2014. This growth raises concerns about the social and economic factors that contribute to high incarceration rates and the impact on the individuals and society.

💡Prenatal care

Prenatal care is the medical and health care provided to pregnant women to ensure the health of the mother and the unborn child. The video highlights the importance of prenatal care for incarcerated women, who often lack access to such services before their imprisonment. It discusses the negative consequences of inadequate prenatal care, such as birth defects and health complications for both mother and child.

💡Human rights

Human rights are the fundamental rights to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of their circumstances. The video discusses the denial of certain human rights to incarcerated women, particularly during childbirth, such as the right to be free from restraints like handcuffs and the right to have a support person present. It emphasizes the need to respect and protect the rights of all individuals, even those who have been convicted of crimes.

💡Conjugal visits

Conjugal visits are private visits between incarcerated individuals and their spouses or partners, often allowing for intimate relations. The video contrasts the experiences of male and female prisoners regarding conjugal visits, noting that while men often receive such visits, women rarely do, which can affect their emotional well-being and family relationships.

💡Healthcare in prison

Healthcare in prison refers to the medical services provided to incarcerated individuals. The video discusses the quality of healthcare available to pregnant women in prison, including prenatal care, and the challenges they face in accessing appropriate medical services. It also touches on the broader issue of how the prison system addresses the health needs of its inmates.

💡Social services

Social services are programs and assistance provided by the government or other organizations to support individuals in need. In the video, social services play a role in protecting the rights of incarcerated women and ensuring they receive necessary care, such as prenatal care and medical attention during childbirth. The video suggests that social services are crucial in advocating for the well-being of prisoners.

💡Legislative process

The legislative process refers to the steps taken by a government to enact laws and regulations. The video mentions a decree in 2016 that aimed to regulate the use of restraints on women during childbirth and postpartum, highlighting the gap between the law and its enforcement in prisons. It underscores the need for effective legislation and its proper implementation to protect the rights of incarcerated women.

Highlights

A woman shares her experience of being arrested in a stolen car, highlighting the intersection of crime and unexpected life events.

The narrative of a 21-year-old's first arrest coinciding with her first pregnancy at nine months, illustrating the complexity of the criminal justice system's impact on vulnerable populations.

A woman describes the harsh reality of being seven months pregnant and already serving a prison sentence, emphasizing the challenges of incarceration during pregnancy.

The stark contrast of a woman celebrating her birthday in prison, having already served a year and five months without sentencing, raises questions about due process and the experience of time behind bars.

The issue of women's incarceration in Brazil is explored, with a focus on the rapid growth of the prison population and its disproportionate impact on women.

A startling statistic: Brazil's female prison population increased by 410% from 2000 to 2014, underscoring the urgency of addressing the causes and consequences of mass incarceration.

Personal stories reveal the harsh conditions and lack of support faced by women in prison, often due to drug-related offenses and their entanglement in relationships with criminal partners.

The disproportionate representation of women in prison for drug trafficking, often as a result of romantic relationships, is highlighted, pointing to deeper societal issues.

A woman's selfless act of taking the blame for her partner's crimes to protect him, showcasing the lengths some will go to for love and the cycle of criminality.

The rarity of women in drug trafficking roles is discussed, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the often involuntary nature of their involvement.

The 'Nascer nas Prisões' research is introduced, providing insights into the experiences of pregnant women and new mothers in Brazilian prisons.

A concerning finding that 90% of incarcerated women were pregnant at the time of their arrest, with many yet to face trial, is presented.

The importance of prenatal care for both the health of the mother and child is emphasized, with stories of its positive impact within the prison system.

The stark contrast between the prenatal care available in prison and the lack of care outside, due to drug addiction and lack of access, is highlighted.

The emotional and psychological impact of childbirth in prison, without the support of family, is explored, emphasizing the need for humane treatment.

Legislation changes regarding the use of restraints on pregnant women during childbirth are discussed, showing progress in the recognition of prisoners' rights.

The discrepancy between legal protections and the reality of prison conditions for pregnant women is highlighted, calling for further research and advocacy.

The desire for a more humane and dignified birthing experience, free from the stigma and restraints of imprisonment, is expressed by the women.

The broader implications of the prison system as a de facto provider of care for marginalized women are considered, questioning the role of incarceration in society.

Transcripts

play00:13

I got in a car to do a trick,

play00:15

but it was a stolen car.

play00:20

I'm 21 and it's the first time I've been arrested.

play00:24

This is my first pregnancy, and I'm 9 months in.

play00:31

I'm 7 months and a few days pregnant.

play00:38

I've been in prison for 4 months.

play00:43

I got 5 years and 6 months, on a non-negotiable basis at first.

play00:55

Birth in prison: Gestation, birth and care

play01:01

I was sentenced to 11 years, but I won't have to stay that long.

play01:09

It's my birthday today: one year and 5 months in prison,

play01:13

and I haven't been sentenced yet.

play01:17

I've been here for almost two years without even a response.

play01:24

The issue of the incarceration of women,

play01:26

the concern for women's health,

play01:28

for the health of the mother and child

play01:31

and gestation in prison,

play01:35

started showing up quite recently,

play01:38

and I think it's associated with the issue of the rise

play01:41

of the prison population in Brazil.

play01:43

From 2000 to 2014 Brazil's prison population grew a lot,

play01:47

about 120%,

play01:49

and this incarceration rate is not just a number.

play01:53

If you examine it, it's the fifth highest in the world.

play01:57

When it comes to prison population,

play01:59

Brazil has the 4th largest in the world,

play02:03

just behind Russia, China and the U.S.

play02:06

If Brazil's prison population grew by 120%,

play02:10

the incarceration of women would grow much more:

play02:14

410% in the same period.

play02:17

We went from 5 thousand incarcerated women in 2000

play02:20

to 37 thousand incarcerated women in 2014.

play02:24

I had no one to help me, it was really tough.

play02:28

Sometimes you hit rock bottom and can't climb out.

play02:32

It's tough.

play02:34

So I entered a life of drug trafficking.

play02:38

I spent 4 months of my life trafficking drugs,

play02:41

and they approached me.

play02:45

And here I am.

play02:47

I'm going to use that lady's words:

play02:50

"Instead of lying down with drunk men,

play02:53

I chose to store drugs in my house. I thought it would be healthier

play02:57

and more hygienic for my children."

play03:00

More than the majority are involved with drug trafficking.

play03:04

Some have stolen…

play03:07

There are few homicides or armed robberies,

play03:10

which are, let's say, more serious crimes.

play03:13

It's not unusual to have a partner or husband involved.

play03:18

I can't say they didn't know what they were taking part in.

play03:22

They definitely did.

play03:25

But their initial involvement with drug trafficking

play03:32

comes from a romantic relationship.

play03:35

And often it is often the case

play03:38

that the police operation, the search warrant, etc.,

play03:44

is carried out at a time when the woman is in the house.

play03:48

And she…

play03:50

In that situation, she ends up being prosecuted

play03:53

and convicted, while the man remains free.

play03:57

It's the case with nearly every woman.

play04:01

I'm here so he doesn't have to be. I took his place.

play04:06

-Why? - Because I felt sorry for him.

play04:10

Because he had been shot 11 times.

play04:13

He has a broken arm, and has been convulsing

play04:16

ever since he was shot.

play04:19

-So what did you do? - At the time, I felt sorry for him,

play04:22

I said it was mine and came here in his place.

play04:24

It's very rare to see women trafficking drugs.

play04:29

Very rare. And they're not drug dealers,

play04:32

their behaviour just leads them into trafficking.

play04:35

It's unheard of, even though maybe 90% are convicted of trafficking,

play04:39

and if you check how many women have more than 1 trafficking conviction,

play04:43

you'll see it's probably below 5%.

play04:47

The police came for him and took me too.

play04:51

I was arrested for smuggling drugs into prison.

play04:57

I used to see a lot of girls doing it

play05:00

and thought it'd be easy, I'd never done it.

play05:03

I tried too, and… I'm here, right?

play05:07

It was when they raided my sister's house.

play05:09

They took me, my son's father, my sister, my brother-in-law,

play05:15

his brother, his wife and some other guy.

play05:20

The first time I was innocent I got into a fight.

play05:23

The girl accused me of stealing,

play05:26

but all I did was hit her.

play05:29

I went to a party with my friends, got a ride back and…

play05:34

The guys in the car were criminals.

play05:37

By the time I had realised, the cops were behind us…

play05:40

They started shooting and crashed the car.

play05:44

I got caught, they ran away and I stayed in the car.

play05:49

I was 5 months pregnant when I was arrested.

play05:58

Pregnancy in prison "Nascer nas Prisões" - Fiocruz Research

play06:06

The "Nascer nas Prisões" research

play06:08

took place between 2012 and 2014,

play06:12

and included every female prison

play06:16

in Brazil's capital cities and metropolitan areas.

play06:20

This study focused mainly on pregnant women

play06:25

and women with babies in prison.

play06:28

We discovered that 90% of the women in prison

play06:33

we interviewed for the research

play06:36

were pregnant when they were arrested.

play06:40

And a huge amount of them were still yet to go on trial.

play06:45

I've never gotten a conjugal visit request

play06:49

from men who wished to visit, who weren't married yet

play06:52

or had to straighten something out.

play06:55

It's the opposite in male prisons,

play06:58

in which women request conjugal visits daily

play07:01

with their partners.

play07:03

Few get pregnant in the unit when receiving visitors.

play07:07

Some get pregnant, but not many, most come in already pregnant.

play07:11

Social services have an essential role here in the unit:

play07:14

to protect the prisoners' rights,

play07:17

even though they're being punished,

play07:19

sanctioned, for breaking the law,

play07:24

these women have their rights…

play07:27

The only right denied to them is freedom,

play07:30

every other right is assured.

play07:32

Sometimes they're visibly pregnant,

play07:34

so I transfer them to the prenatal care department.

play07:41

When these women are arrested while pregnant,

play07:45

they are often taken to prison

play07:49

without the prison knowing about their pregnancy.

play07:52

So it's very important for them

play07:55

to take a set of tests when they get there,

play07:59

including a pregnancy test,

play08:01

because if a pregnancy is established,

play08:03

they might be able to have an increased number of consultations

play08:07

and start prenatal care earlier.

play08:10

Otherwise,

play08:13

their pregnancy will start to show up by the fifth or sixth month,

play08:17

when they're much further along,

play08:20

with some health issues

play08:23

which could've been treated, avoided or reduced…

play08:27

I had prenatal care the first time,

play08:30

not the second, but again on the third.

play08:33

I had it when I was there, in Acaraú…

play08:36

Every month they'd take me to have prenatal care.

play08:40

I now realise how important prenatal care is,

play08:43

how important it is for the child.

play08:45

Otherwise the child can have birth defects,

play08:48

I know because one of mine had defects.

play08:50

He had toxoplasmosis and syphilis and had to stay there for 11 days.

play08:56

They think prenatal care is bad.

play08:58

So these women end up developing

play09:01

HIV and syphili s even more often

play09:07

than other women who we also interviewed,

play09:11

who had prenatal care

play09:15

in the health care system

play09:17

and participated in the "Nascer no Brasil" research.

play09:21

Women outside prison.

play09:34

I'm taking all the tests during my pregnancy…

play09:38

It's even better than outside, where I did drugs

play09:42

and didn't have the right care

play09:47

for my pregnancy.

play09:49

I'd been without crack for just a week.

play09:52

I did crack for all 9 months.

play09:56

I saw a woman in triage while you were calling me,

play10:00

a pregnant woman…

play10:03

She says she's about 3 months pregnant.

play10:08

I requested an ultrasound.

play10:10

She had a baby a year and 3 months ago,

play10:14

she's HIV positive

play10:17

and she's only had antiretrovirals during her time here in prison,

play10:21

while pregnant with her first baby.

play10:24

Now… She's been a year and 3 months

play10:29

without antiretrovirals,

play10:32

she's pregnant again,

play10:34

and she's just arrived claiming she needs medicine.

play10:37

But while she was outside she didn't care.

play10:41

She left here taking controlled drugs,

play10:44

looking good, looking healthy.

play10:48

But she has psychiatric issues.

play10:51

She's often in a state of drug addiction,

play10:54

and today I heard she's back

play10:55

and she's just skin and bones, looking awful.

play10:58

I didn't actually see her.

play11:00

So…

play11:02

We feel powerless, just a little bit…

play11:07

But you rebuild and rebuild them, give them back,

play11:11

and they come back again.

play11:13

In the prison system people usually say

play11:17

that pregnant women, when they go to prison,

play11:21

haven't had prenatal care or anything,

play11:23

and they've been using drugs, not taking care of themselves.

play11:28

To say that is, in a way, to blame the women

play11:32

for their health being as it is,

play11:34

as if prison saved them somehow.

play11:38

But what we need to think about the most is:

play11:40

Who are these women? What social group do they belong to?

play11:44

What is their life situation?

play11:47

Do they have access to health care?

play11:49

Do they have access to educational and welfare systems?

play11:54

Do they have access to the job market?

play11:57

Who are these people?

play11:59

When we ignore these questions

play12:01

and place all the responsibility on a woman,

play12:04

what we're saying is that prison saves their lives.

play12:07

But does prison save their lives? How did prison take on that role?

play12:11

I feel a correctional facility ends up being seen

play12:14

as a place where people can be cared for.

play12:18

Where they can be heard, sheltered…

play12:20

Often the first time society actually looks at them

play12:24

is when they get here, which shouldn't be the case.

play12:27

They go through the judge, the social worker,

play12:30

the psychologist, the nurse…

play12:33

We can even put it to question: but if there are so many people,

play12:38

such high demand…

play12:40

Why don't people realise it outside?

play12:43

How does the state deal with this social group?

play12:46

Instead of public policies to guarantee them their rights,

play12:49

instead of public policies to increase access,

play12:52

the state's policy is to penalise, to imprison.

play12:56

It imprisons this social group

play12:58

because it can't answer the questions regarding this group.

play13:01

Actually, it's not that the group lacks public policies,

play13:07

but that it's targeted by a punishment policy, it's different.

play13:11

If we don't realise that and only see individual aspects,

play13:16

we're blaming these women for not taking care of themselves.

play13:19

That care is not an individual action

play13:22

isolated from its context.

play13:25

It exists within a much broader context.

play13:35

Childbirth without freedom

play13:41

It's too shameful for us.

play13:45

Do they need to take us in handcuffs?

play13:49

There's no need, there are guards.

play13:53

Just take us without handcuffs…

play13:56

So that people don't look at us differently.

play14:02

They don't know what we have or haven't done.

play14:07

Those people don't know why we're in prison.

play14:12

With chains on my feet…

play14:14

If there are guards, it's unnecessary.

play14:18

I don't need to be handcuffed.

play14:20

The way I see it, nobody's going to run away.

play14:26

They handcuff us at night, when they want to get some rest,

play14:30

and during the day…

play14:32

We need to ask for help all the time, we can't even move

play14:35

or sit on the bed with those chains.

play14:38

When we get to the hospital and the appointment starts

play14:41

we take their handcuffs off for the entire procedure…

play14:45

But we stay with them… They don't wear handcuffs,

play14:48

but a prison guard stays with them at all times.

play14:51

We even stay with them during childbirth.

play14:54

I've witnessed a C-section myself,

play14:58

many years ago,

play14:59

as well as an ordinary birth.

play15:03

A guard stays with them at all times.

play15:06

After the baby is born, the mother, the baby

play15:10

and two prison guards stay in the room.

play15:13

During the pregnancy stage, generally speaking,

play15:18

we understand how cumbersome it is

play15:21

to wear handcuffs at any step of the way,

play15:24

from the arrest to the rest of the process,

play15:29

and it wouldn't even contradict the recommendations

play15:33

given by the Supreme Court

play15:37

and all the recommendations given by the UN

play15:39

when it comes to ensuring the rights of the detainees.

play15:45

In 2016 there was a decree

play15:48

to regulate the use of handcuffs, which is now strictly prohibited

play15:52

for women during childbirth and postpartum.

play15:56

All the way from transportation

play15:59

to hospitalisation,

play16:02

handcuffs, chains or anything similar may not be used.

play16:06

That entire legislative process to ensure them their rights

play16:10

is terribly distant

play16:13

from what actually happens.

play16:15

We have laws to protect the rights of women and their children,

play16:19

but in reality, they're not enforced.

play16:23

Hence the importance of research.

play16:26

Research gives us data about something we already know,

play16:30

but now are able to substantiate.

play16:33

When a woman goes into labour

play16:35

we call an ambulance, and she doesn't wear handcuffs.

play16:38

She's actually treated like a mother about to give birth.

play16:42

In that case, she's not seen as a prisoner,

play16:47

and she's taken care of as a mother about to give birth.

play16:51

Without handcuffs.

play16:53

No, I didn't wear handcuffs here

play16:57

because my water had already broke.

play16:59

I didn't wear them in the hospital either.

play17:02

I wanted to take the handcuffs off, but they said I couldn't

play17:05

because I was a prisoner.

play17:07

The judge put me in handcuffs but took them off less than 2h later.

play17:11

The on-duty guard told me: "I'm supposed to handcuff you."

play17:16

The social worker came in and I told her

play17:19

he was handcuffing me, and she said "there's no need".

play17:22

She spoke to him and he took the handcuffs off.

play17:27

When I had her, I was treated very differently.

play17:31

Some people looked at me differently…

play17:34

The nurses…

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One nurse wanted me to stay in handcuffs,

play17:39

and asked if I was dangerous…

play17:42

But the guards are nice people, and they say:

play17:46

"Do your job and I'll do mine.

play17:48

Take care of the children, I'll take care of her."

play17:53

They have the right to be treated just like anyone else.

play17:58

Except for a family member during childbirth,

play18:02

it's just the guard, for safety reasons.

play18:05

I couldn't be with the other mothers at the hospital.

play18:09

It was just me and the guard who escorted me.

play18:13

It's very different, you're in prison,

play18:16

without your family or anything, just with the police and guards.

play18:21

You're in pain, and the guard has to follow you around.

play18:26

Even during childbirth, the police are right there.

play18:29

It's different from having a baby at home, with your family.

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I think it's about the moment of childbirth,

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it's our unique moment, which we want to remember forever,

play18:40

and we do remember it forever.

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It would be great to be able to share it

play18:45

with someone we care about, from our family.

play18:49

You know? My mother…

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She won't be able to see her first grandson.

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She won't be able to be with me, hold my hand and give me strength.

play18:59

And I think… Why does it matter

play19:03

whether I'm a prisoner or not for my mother to be there?

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What's the difference if she's there or not?

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What does the prison lose in the process?

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What? Do they think I'll run away?

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No, that doesn't happen. Why can't they allow it?

play19:21

Allow me to have my mother with me in such a unique moment?

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But they get to the maternity ward and the family isn't notified.

play19:30

These women aren't allowed to have other people there…

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A birth partner of choice is guaranteed by law in Brazil.

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All women have that right, it's a law,

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assured and available for everyone.

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But these women were denied this right as well.

play19:50

They were alone and didn't get visits from family members.

play19:56

They were discriminated against,

play19:58

isolated in a separate room in the maternity ward.

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All they had was a guard at their door, as if they were…

play20:07

high-risk prisoners,

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which is not the case with these women.

play20:12

In almost all cases, they committed misdemeanours,

play20:16

but are treated as high-risk prisoners.

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They're ashamed when they see all the other women

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being scared of them.

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Health professionals also feel uncomfortable

play20:29

treating these women.

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This contributed to their evaluation

play20:35

on the quality of care, which was very negative.

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They were also discriminated against for another reason:

play20:42

the use of handcuffs,

play20:44

which happened to a third of these new mothers.

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I didn't see anyone else there, that room was just for prisoners.

play20:53

In the hospital…

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there are two rooms just for prisoners.

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She even helped…

play21:04

the other mother up, she really helped her.

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But to me, she said: "How many children do you have?"

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I said "2", and she replied: "So you know your stuff."

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"You won't scream, will you?"

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I said: "No, I won't scream."

play21:22

And they left me alone in the room…

play21:26

I told them the baby was coming, and they had me handcuffed.

play21:31

Who had you handcuffed? The nurse?

play21:34

She said I was "being a pain."

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"Handcuff her, she's being a pain."

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But the baby's head was already out.

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Do they use handcuffs and leg cuffs?

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There are chains and… Right?

play21:47

Then she said: "Just leave her by herself."

play21:51

And they left me alone, except for the two guards at the door.

play21:55

They escorted me.

play21:57

He thought he could say anything just because I was a prisoner.

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You should be human, you know? Above all else.

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It's so important to be humble and respectful…

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You can be a prisoner, a poor or rich person,

play22:13

but above all else, you are still human.

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To put yourself in your place and in other people's shoes.

play22:22

It's very hard to accommodate for a prisoner,

play22:24

people in general actually prefer it if prisoners die:

play22:29

"Let them rot in jail forever."

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They forget that prisoners are just spending time there.

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They'll soon be free,

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and it's up to us whether they come back better or worse.

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There's a lack of information, of seminars…

play22:45

To target health professionals, so they understand

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how to accommodate for a prisoner,

play22:51

that he or she deserves to be treated well.

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All they lack is the freedom to come and go, not other rights.

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The women stay in the unit until it's time to give birth,

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and are then taken to a hospital.

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We work with the Rede Cegonha service of the Ministry of Health,

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but it's hard to raise awareness

play23:10

among hospital workers, so that they accommodate for the pregnant women

play23:15

and give them the same rights free women have.

play23:19

We must work carefully on raising awareness

play23:23

to ensure them their rights.

play23:26

Translation 4Estações

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Связанные теги
Prison LifePregnancyMotherhoodHuman RightsBrazilIncarcerationHealthcareSocial IssuesCriminal JusticeGender Studies
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