Pregnant Black activist says she is 'ill' and facing premature birth behind bars

A pregnant Black activist who is serving a four-year prison sentence for comments she made to police during a racial justice protest said she is ill and fears she is at risk of giving birth prematurely.

A pregnant Black activist who is serving a four-year prison sentence for comments she made to police during a racial justice protest said she is ill and fears she is at risk of giving birth prematurely because of the ongoing stress of being behind bars. 

Brittany Martin, 34, was convicted in May of breaching the peace in a high and aggravated manner at a 2020 protest over the death of George Floyd. Martin, who is seven-and-a-half months pregnant, said she’s experiencing back, hip and joint pain, along with premature contractions, which are becoming more painful as she nears her November due date. She was sent to the hospital Wednesday for painful contractions and was told by medical professionals that she was dehydrated and beginning to dilate, according to Martin’s sister, Whitney, who said she was on the phone with her as she was being escorted by an officer.  

“I’m praying that I at least hold her until my 38th week. I just want her to be fully developed,” Martin told NBC News in a phone call from Camille Graham Correctional Center in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Martin, who has already lost two children – one at 4 months from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in 2008 and an 18-year-old this year to gun violence – said a premature birth would be especially devastating. The mother of four surviving children said her family seems to be in a constant state of mourning. 

“I’m not trying to go through another loss,” she said. “I would love to come home to my children. I just lost my baby. I just lost my oldest child this year. I haven’t had any peace.” 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/pregnant-black-activist-says-ill-facing-premature-birth-bars-rcna49052


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