Palestinian pregnant detainees face poor prison conditions

Concerns are mounting regarding the treatment of pregnant Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody following reports of inadequate medical care and harsh living conditions.

Dana Joudeh, who was held under administrative detention for six months, gave birth to a daughter in prison on September 14. The Palestinian Commission for Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs stated that Joudeh was deprived of adequate medical assistance throughout her pregnancy and condemned the fact that she was forced to give birth within the facility. Following the birth, Joudeh and her infant were transferred to a hospital in Ramallah.

Other pregnant detainees, including Baraa Abu Khadija and Manar Karaja, are also facing difficult conditions. Abu Khadija, currently held at Damon Prison, reported that food provided to pregnant inmates is ‘little and bad’ and that sleeping arrangements are unsuitable. She noted a lack of basic hygiene supplies, such as towels and spare clothing, and reported that pregnant women receive limited protein, such as eggs or meat, only every few days. Human rights advocates are calling for urgent medical care and improved nutritional standards for all pregnant detainees.