Justice For Heaven and Ava
Yesterday, the Alachua County Jail left a mother to give birth alone in a jail cell despite her repeated calls for help, and the baby died due to the lack of any medical care whatsoever.
There are no words to describe the pain this mother is feeling.
She was arrested on a bullshit warrant for a probation violation, and was picked up while having contractions, but despite her screams and pleading for help she was ignored. She screamed in pain for hours and hours while she continued to have contractions and was ignored. She was told she hadn’t dilated yet, when she was clearly in labor. She was eventually forced to give birth, alone, in a jail cell and was only taken seriously by jail staff once they saw her holding her newborn baby in her arms.
Heaven was not only forced to go through the trauma of giving birth alone in a jail cell, but when she was finally taken to the hospital, she was told the baby was not going to make it. After an already traumatic, forever life-changing birthing experience, she was forced to hold baby Ava in her arms as she died. Sadly, there are so many mothers forced to give birth while incarcerated like Heaven, and so many little ones & mothers alike who would be here with us today if they had received the medical care during birth that they deserved. Birthing people deserve care, dignity, and respect, not incarceration. We want justice for Heaven & Ava!
This BLOOD is on the State’s hands...on Alachua County Jail’s hands. We will not let them forget or cover up what they have done.
Nothing can make up for baby Ava being murdered by NEGLECT and ABUSE at the Alachua County Jail, but Heaven needs our love and support right now. Beloved community will need to wrap our arms around Heaven and hold her tight while she tries to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually from this loss.
We are asking for financial support for Heaven for food, transportation, and postpartum care while she grieves and processes this trauma and horrible loss. Please give deeply and share this fundraiser as you are able!
CashApp donations are also appreciated and go straight to Heaven: $EricaThompson12
