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Michele Goodwin, "Policing the Womb: Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood" (Cambridge UP, 2020)

New Books in Critical Theory

CHAPTER

Consequences of Over-Criminalizing Pregnancy Behaviors

This chapter explores the repercussions of healthcare professionals acting as agents of the state in policing and surveilling pregnant women, particularly from marginalized communities. It delves into the criminalization of pregnancy behaviors, racialized perceptions during the crack epidemic, and cases of women unjustly detained under discriminatory laws. The discussion also covers the over-criminalization of parents, including forced sterilization practices and the negative impacts of incarcerating pregnant women, particularly those struggling with addiction.

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