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How do we ensure kindness and justice in a prison system not designed with women in mind? Join us for a compelling episode where we welcome Colleen Bell, chair of the Ostara Initiative's board of directors, as she reveals the stark realities and urgent needs of incarcerated mothers. Discover the transformative work Ostara is doing to challenge inhumane practices like shackling during labor and high rates of C-sections, setting new standards for maternal and child health within prisons. Colleen shares inspiring stories of change from Minnesota to Alabama's Tutwiler Prison, highlighting advancements in lactation support that not only benefit mothers and babies but also offer financial advantages for states willing to embrace such reforms.

In a thought-provoking discussion, we illuminate the vital role of doulas who provide crucial emotional and physical support to pregnant women in prison, empowering them amidst systemic failures. Distinguishing the essential contributions of doulas from midwives and OBGYNs, we confront misconceptions about the adequacy of prison healthcare and spotlight the unique challenges faced by women in a system primarily designed for men. We also tackle broader issues such as societal neglect of the root causes of women's incarceration, from trauma to survival crimes, asking tough questions about the humanity and effectiveness of our current penal system. Don't miss this episode as we advocate for transformative change in pursuit of kindness and justice. If you're interested in more information on women in the judicial system you may want to check out loads of charts, brief reports and a great search function at the Prison Policy Initiative. 

#justice #women #incarceration 

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It's one thing to highlight the kindness that we see in the world, but it's another to, as I put in many of my social media posts, #bethechange. I am donating all of my royalties from the sale of my book, Change A World; In Order to Change The World to local and national non-profits. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!