An event is planned in New Britain in support of woman who a report said gave birth in a prison cell after being denied adequate medical care.
The New Britain Racial Justice Coalition says that, while it is not hosting the event it, “is urging its supporters to join the family and representatives of Tianna Laboy as we call for justice.”
The event is planned in New Britain’s Central Park, at 11:00am today, September 3, 2020.
The CT Mirror reported, in December of 2019, that,
A pregnant inmate had complained of pain numerous times to staff at York Correctional Institution during the week before she gave birth in her cell last year, but medical workers did not perform an assessment that would have determined she was in labor, nor did they tell a doctor about her abdominal pain or send her to an emergency room, according to a report unsealed Friday by a federal judge.
The CT Mirror also reported that, “Laboy and her mother are suing prison workers, former Correction Commissioner Scott Semple and UConn Health – which until last July was managing inmate health care across Connecticut – alleging denial and delay in care.”
A copy of the apparent report by the state Department of Correction, appearing on the website, “Justice for Tianna,” indicates that Laboy is from New Britain.
The, “Justice for Tianna.” website says that,
The State of Connecticut blatantly failed in its responsibility to Tianna Laboy. As a pregnant resident of York Correctional Institution, Tianna had every right to expect decent medical care. Instead, medical staff ignored her warning signs of early labor, and repeatedly sent her away with an ice pack. When she went into labor, she was told to stay in her cell until the following day. Her frantic calls for help continued to be ignored until she delivered her baby in her cell with no medical assistance. The State not only failed in its responsibility to safeguard Tianna Laboy’s most basic rights, it failed to provide even the most basic care during her time of greatest need.
The website, which says that it is, “Paid for by CT Inmate Medical Project,” is seeking to press the office of State Attorney General William Tong (D) to, “stop dragging its feet and take action today to right this terrible wrong.”
The State Attorney General’s office is responsible for representing state agencies when they are sued.
