New Legislation to Enhance the Care and Treatment of Incarcerated Women
In December 2021, North Carolina enacted a new law, the Dignity for Women who are Incarcerated Women Act, to provide important protections and care for female incarcerated persons related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. There are areas pertinent to healthcare and carceral settings.
You can find a brief, a condensed video clip about the Dignity for Women Who are Incarcerated Act for consumers HERE.
Click HERE for a handout with key information about the Dignity Act, maternal warning signs, and substance use during pregnancy.
Click HERE for a summary of the new law
**Training and materials for corrections professionals are currently being developed by UNC CMIH and statewide partners to help disseminate the requirements of this law and to assist in the provision of the required training and materials.
Substance Use Treatment Services
Contact the UNC Horizons Substance Use Disorder Program and Legal Services for help seeking substance use treatment services for incarcerated women, including pregnant and parenting women upon arrest and at any point during incarceration, including post-release. For more information call 919-903-0591
Contact the Alcohol and Drug Council of NC to access available services statewide for pregnant and postpartum women, including those with dependent children, along with the general population who have a substance-related disorder.
For more information about services visit or call alcoholdrughelp.org 1-800-688-4232.
Reentry Support
Upon leaving prison or jail in North Carolina, individuals are encouraged to contact Phyllis “Grandma” Hardy from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls. She works across the state to help connect women to services and resources to help them reenter society and reduce the risk of recidivism.
Call 252-883-0048 or Email phardy@thecouncil.us
Information on COVID for Pregnant and Postpartum Persons
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has created recommendations for the care of pregnant and postpartum people in carceral settings during COVID-19. Find the complete recommendations HERE.
Learn more about the latest recommendations on COVID vaccines and pregnant persons by reviewing THIS webinar from Brenna Hughes at Duke University.
Provide key answers to the persons in your care regarding questions about the COVID vaccine, pregnancy, and fertility from OBGYNs, a nurse, and a midwife HERE.
**Resources are currently being developed by UNC CMIH and statewide partners to provide guidance on ways to best mitigate COVID-19 within local county jails among pregnant women.
Services for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Our Children’s Place of Coastal Horizons Center is a statewide program committed to the children of incarcerated parents. They aim to be the leading North Carolina advocate and educational resource focused on these children and the need for a statewide response to ensure their well-being. Click HERE for more information.(Edit)