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WJP Infographic: Pregnancy, Childbirth & Shackling

WJP is pleased to announce the release of Incarcerated Women: Pregnancy, Childbirth & Shackling, which highlights the dehumanizing and deeply harmful practices endured by pregnant and birthing people in our prisons and jails.

These practices are part of the continuum of reproductive injustices inflicted on the women and gender expansive people most targeted for criminalization and incarceration: Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and people from economically marginalized communities. The experience of violence, racism, and gender oppression led Black women to develop the powerful framework of Reproductive Justice. Visit SisterSong: Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective to learn more about their vital work and the concept and origin of Reproductive Justice.

This publication’s content is informed by the experiences and expertise of women who are currently and formerly incarcerated as well as statistics gathered from a range of sources, including federal government data and academic research initiatives.

We hope this piece contributes to the critical organizing led by people directly impacted by incarceration to end shackling, advance reproductive justice, and transform our criminal legal system.

Learn more and view the full, downloadable infographic HERE.

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Jess jackson

Executive Director

Jess Jackson is a dynamic and creative professional with expertise in operations, program planning, organizing, and arts-based advocacy, committed to driving meaningful social change by cultivating highly functional organizations and innovative programming. To all aspects of her career, Jess brings a lifelong passion for the arts and a deep commitment to social justice. In summer 2026, Jess became Executive Director of WJP, leading the organization’s strategy, development, programs and partnerships. For 7 years prior, Jess served as WJP Director of Operations & Arts Advocacy, spearheading operations efforts and leading arts-based and culture change initiatives including creative arts programming at two New York women’s prisons. Prior to joining WJP, Jess worked in sales, business management, and arts administration with organizations including Marriott, Google, and the School of Visual Arts. She is known for developing highly impactful initiatives and programs for organizations looking to carry out their work in ways that are more effective, capacious, and values aligned. With a versatile skillset spanning operations, strategy, program planning, organizing, creative project management, and events, Jess brings an interdisciplinary flair to her work, and a dedication to advancing the brilliant work and vision of WJP’s staff and partners. Jess holds a BA from the University of Michigan, lives in Brooklyn with her family, and in her spare time enjoys volunteering with Narrows Botanical Gardens, traveling, reading, writing, and leaning into her creative pursuits.