Number of incarcerated pregnant women increases amid opioid epidemic

Karlee Clements was six months pregnant, “full on into addiction” and begging to go to jail because she was afraid she would kill her child. Soon after, she was incarcerated at Riverside Regional Jail for a violation. Because of her baby’s low heart rate, she was sent to Chippenham Hospital, where she spent the remainder of her pregnancy. Zip-tied to a hospital bed, with a Riverside officer next to her, Clements gave birth to a baby girl and spent three days with her, per Virginia law. Restraints are no longer allowed on inmates during labor, except under certain circumstances. Clements...

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