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Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood: A Must-Read for Advocates and Policymakers

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Policing the Womb: Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood

by Michele Goodwin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2383 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	326 pages

In her groundbreaking book, Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood, author and activist Andrea Ritchie exposes the systemic biases and injustices faced by women who are mothers. This important work provides a comprehensive overview of the ways in which the criminal justice system disproportionately targets and punishes mothers, and offers concrete solutions for reform.

Ritchie begins by challenging the prevailing narrative that women who commit crimes are "bad mothers." She argues that this stereotype is used to justify the harsh treatment of mothers in the criminal justice system, even when their crimes are not related to their parenting. For example, mothers are more likely to be arrested and charged with child neglect or abuse than fathers, even when there is no evidence that they have actually harmed their children.

Ritchie also shows how the criminalization of motherhood disproportionately affects women of color. Black women are incarcerated at a rate that is more than twice as high as white women, and they are more likely to be charged with drug offenses, even though they are no more likely to use or sell drugs than white women. This disparity is due in part to the fact that Black women are more likely to live in poverty and to be exposed to violence, which can lead to drug use and other criminal behavior.

The criminalization of motherhood has a devastating impact on women and their families. When a mother is arrested or incarcerated, her children are often placed in foster care or adopted. This can have a profound impact on the children's emotional and psychological development. In addition, mothers who are incarcerated are often unable to get jobs or housing after they are released from prison, which makes it difficult for them to reunite with their children.

Ritchie concludes her book by calling for a number of reforms to the criminal justice system, including:

Decriminalizing drug offenses
Expanding access to treatment and support services for women who are struggling with addiction
Reducing the use of cash bail
Eliminating the death penalty for women who kill their children
Providing more support for mothers who are incarcerated and their children

Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood is a powerful and important book that shines a light on a hidden injustice. This work is essential reading for anyone who is interested in criminal justice reform, women's rights, or the well-being of children.

Policing the Womb: Invisible Women and the Criminalization of Motherhood

by Michele Goodwin

4.5 out of 5