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Former Prisoner Sues Jackson County for Transporting Her Across State While Shackled and in Labor 

Contact: Diane Balogh, (314) 669-3425, (314) 498-5286 dbalogh@aclu-mo.org

KANSAS CITY, MO Megon Riedel, in her final weeks of pregnancy, was shackled, chained and transported by van nearly 200 miles across state while she was in active labor. Today, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, she is suing Jackson County and three Jackson County Detention Center (JCDC) correctional officers.

Because she was in labor, Ms. Riedel pleaded with her Kansas City guards to take her to the hospital rather than drive her to the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correction Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia, Missouri. Just hours earlier, physicians at the Truman Medical Center (TMC) in Kansas City had informed correctional officers that Ms. Riedel had a high-risk pregnancy and active labor was imminent. However, before dawn she was told to pack her belongings and forced to walk to the transport van. Vomiting, bleeding and in severe pain, Ms. Riedel was shackled and chained for the entire trip ― even during her only restroom break ― and was provided no medical attention on the journey.

Upon arrival at WERDCC, Ms. Riedel was evaluated by their doctor and rushed to Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, Missouri, where she delivered her son.

“Shackling and chaining a pregnant prisoner while she is in labor violates the Constitution, and transporting her across Missouri in shackles and chains is beyond callous,” explains Tony Rothert, legal director of the ACLU of Missouri. “Not only is it cruel and unusual punishment, it jeopardizes the health of both mother and baby.”

“As shocking as Megon’s treatment is, this indifference to a person in medical distress is not isolated,” said Jeffrey A. Mittman, executive director of the ACLU of Missouri. “As Missourians, we need to decide if we will tolerate this behavior from those who run our jails and prisons.  The ACLU is prepared to hold them accountable.”

The ACLU of Missouri is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that defends and expands the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all Missourians guaranteed under the United States and Missouri Constitutions, through its litigation, legislative and public education programs. It is an affiliate of the national ACLU.