Alipore Jail enforces mandatory pregnancy tests for female inmates after Court order

Kolkata’s Alipore Women’s Correctional Home has started conducting mandatory pregnancy tests on female inmates following a court directive. This move comes after reports of women becoming pregnant inside state correctional facilities, raising concerns about security and inmate welfare. The testing process has been ongoing for the past two months and is now a routine measure in the correctional facility.

According to jail officials, the tests are conducted daily in the presence of female staff. Special focus is placed on three categories of inmates—those newly admitted, those returning after parole, and undertrial prisoners who return from court appearances. Jail sources confirm that approximately seven to eight female inmates are tested every day. Officials state that this measure aims to track and document any cases of pregnancy within the correctional system.

The decision follows a 2023 High Court-mandated report that highlighted the presence of 196 children living with their mothers inside state correctional facilities. The report also pointed to cases of female inmates becoming pregnant, raising concerns about how such incidents were occurring. In response, the Calcutta High Court had previously restricted male entry into women's correctional facilities and juvenile homes. Later, the Supreme Court directed all states to implement strict monitoring measures.

Authorities claim that female inmates do not have opportunities for physical relations during court appearances, but concerns persist due to previous reports of pregnancies. Officials have maintained that in most cases, inmates became pregnant while out on parole. To eliminate further controversy, pregnancy tests have been made compulsory for the identified categories of inmates at Alipore Jail.

Jail administration has stated that the screening process is being conducted systematically, with all protocols in place. Measures have also been strengthened to monitor inmates’ health conditions more effectively. Officials have confirmed that similar steps may be taken across other correctional facilities to ensure compliance with court directives.