Woman gives birth in courtroom during arraignment in Brooklyn; community to protest inhumane conditions
Community members are now calling for action to protest inhumane conditions in Brooklyn criminal court, claiming the woman was handcuffed to a bench in the courtroom while giving birth.
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A woman that was set to be arraigned gave birth in a Brooklyn federal courtroom on Friday, according to court officials.
The Brooklyn district attorney says the woman was in court for trespassing and drug possession charges.
Community members are now calling for action to protest inhumane conditions in Brooklyn Criminal Court, claiming the woman was handcuffed to a bench in the courtroom while giving birth.
In a statement from the Legal Aid Society, advocates say that the woman "gave birth in shackles inside a Brooklyn courtroom after reportedly spending more than 24 hours in custody. Attorneys and staff from The Legal Aid Society and Brooklyn Defender Services who were present in the courtroom witnessed her labor and deliver her child on a courtroom bench without adequate medical care, privacy, or dignity, surrounded by court personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and others."
Sources tell News12 that despite what advocates are claiming, the woman was not in leg shackles in the courtroom and not handcuffed to a bench.
Additionally, sources say she did have handcuffs on. However, when Unified Court System officers noticed that the woman was in distress, she was moved to comfort and police officers removed her handcuffs.
“Our team of uniformed UCS officers acted with swift professionalism to ensure the safety and sanctity of life for all individuals in Court on Friday, personifying the everyday virtues of their sworn service. We are delighted both mother and baby are well," said a spokesperson from the New York Office of Court Administration.
“Arraignments have become a place where people now die in cuffs and give birth in cuffs. Multiple systems are failing to ensure that our clients are treated with humanity. Without systemic change, these violations will continue and more New Yorkers will suffer or die,” said Lisa Ohta, President of UAW 2325, Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys.
Advocates are expected to hold a rally in front of Brooklyn Criminal Court at 1 p.m. and then march to the Kings County District Attorney's Office.
