Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced that legislation she sponsors to ban the use of solitary confinement for pregnant women (A1347) has passed the State Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support.

“The state’s disciplinary practices are in need of reform that addresses the excessive use of punishment that can lead to emotional, physical, and psychological harm,” said Rozic. “By eliminating the use of solitary confinement for pregnant women, we are taking the necessary steps to shift the focus in correctional facilities from incarceration to rehabilitation.”

This legislation was introduced in response to an interim settlement agreement reached by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) last year that would ban the placement of pregnant women in solitary confinement, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. The bill would make the changes under the interim settlement agreement permanent in the event a final agreement is not reached.

“Solitary confinement has been shown to have a particularly damaging effect on pregnant women and their babies,” said Correction Committee Chair Daniel O’Donnell. “Not only do pregnant women and nursing mothers need social interaction and exercise, but they are in particular need of adequate medical care, nutrition, exercise, and stimulation, all things that are restricted by placement in solitary. I am proud to have voted in favor of Assemblymember Rozic’s important bill, which will ensure that women in prison still have access to the vital resources they need to sustain a healthy pregnancy.”

Rozic added, “When solitary confinement is consistently being referred to as inhumane, it is clear that legislative solutions are needed to address the issues plaguing our criminal justice system. Without this prevention, pregnant women would continue to be placed in solitary confinement without access to urgent medical assistance posing even greater risks.”

Inmates in the Special Housing Unit, known as SHU, spend 23 hours a day isolated in a confined cell where they often suffer from cases of anxiety and depression. Placement in SHU could also lead to harmful situations such as self-inflicted injury and suicide.

After passing the Assembly, the bill has been delivered to the State Senate where Rozic will continue to push for its successful passage.