Alabama woman sues alleging she gave birth on prison floor as guards watched
Summary
An Alabama woman, Tiffany McElroy, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming jail staff ignored her medical emergency after her water broke early. She gave birth alone on the prison floor without medical help while guards watched, and her and her baby's civil rights were allegedly violated.Key Facts
- Tiffany McElroy was jailed in Alabama in May 2024 on charges related to substance use during pregnancy.
- Three days after arriving, she experienced early labor and a pregnancy complication that could cause sepsis (a serious infection).
- Jail staff allegedly ignored her requests for medical help and did not call 911 despite her repeated pleas.
- McElroy gave birth on the prison floor with help from another inmate; the newborn did not breathe at first.
- Guards reportedly made cruel comments and punished the women involved after the birth.
- The lawsuit names 20 defendants including guards, a nurse, and the county sheriff, accusing them of violating McElroy’s constitutional rights.
- A former deputy said she was told she would be fired if she helped McElroy during labor.
- Pregnancy Justice, representing McElroy, says this case shows a pattern of mistreatment of pregnant inmates in Alabama.
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