My name is Ruby Cherian, and I am an attorney at Legal Aid Justice Center. I serve as part of plaintiff’s counsel at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, where I represent incarcerated people in their lawsuit for constitutionally adequate medical care. I have had both pregnant and nursing clients as part of this case. I urge you to support HB 2325.
There is a significant lack of information on the experiences of incarcerated women, particularly pregnant and nursing mothers, who are often overlooked in criminal legal discourse. This workgroup will gather data on lactation policies (or the lack thereof) across jails in the Commonwealth and recommend standards. Since breast milk provides essential nutrition and antibodies for infants, this bill will better protect the health and wellbeing of children in the Commonwealth.
For these reasons, I support HB 2325.
Thank you!
My name is Ruby Cherian, and I am an attorney at Legal Aid Justice Center. I serve as part of plaintiff’s counsel at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, where I represent incarcerated people in their lawsuit for constitutionally adequate medical care. I have had both pregnant and nursing clients as part of this case. I urge you to support HB 2325. There is a significant lack of information on the experiences of incarcerated women, particularly pregnant and nursing mothers, who are often overlooked in criminal legal discourse. This workgroup will gather data on lactation policies (or the lack thereof) across jails in the Commonwealth and recommend standards. Since breast milk provides essential nutrition and antibodies for infants, this bill will better protect the health and wellbeing of children in the Commonwealth. For these reasons, I support HB 2325. Thank you!