Samantha Randazzo, 33, went into labor during an arraignment for drug charges at a Brooklyn court in New York City. She gave birth "right on a bench in the courtroom without adequate medical care, privacy, or dignity," according to a joint statement released on 17/5 by the Legal Aid Society and several public defender organizations whose members witnessed the event.
Randazzo's lawyer, Wynton Sharpe, has not yet responded to the statement. However, he praised court officers for their quick assistance when Randazzo's water broke, describing the situation as "both joyful and sad." Randazzo gave birth to a baby boy.
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Outside the Kings County Criminal Court in Brooklyn, New York City. Photo: Google Maps |
Outside the Kings County Criminal Court in Brooklyn, New York City. Photo: Google Maps
The New York Police Department stated that Randazzo was arrested on the evening of 14/5. Officers found two people on the roof of a public housing building with suspected contraband "displayed in plain sight." She faced accusations of possessing illegal substances and trespassing.
"At the time of her arrest and upon arrival at the police station, Randazzo wore loose clothing, did not inform officers that she was pregnant or had any health issues, and also refused medical care," police stated.
Around 3:30 h on 15/5, Randazzo informed police that she was pregnant and "going through withdrawal." Police then transported her to Coney Island Hospital. She gave birth before midnight on 15/5, approximately 4 h after leaving the hospital. Coney Island Hospital has not commented on the matter.
After giving birth, Randazzo was transported by ambulance to Brooklyn Hospital.
Several organizations, including the Legal Aid Society and the Brooklyn Public Defenders, criticized the decisions leading to Randazzo's labor in the courtroom. They have called for an investigation into the incident and a review of procedures concerning pregnant women in custody.
"What happened in that courtroom was not merely a failure of process or preparation. It was a serious moral failure and a heartbreaking reflection of the callousness ingrained in our carceral system," the organizations' joint statement read.
Huyen Le (According to NBC News)
