Editor’s note: This letter was shared with Forward Kentucky, and we asked if we could then share it with our readers. Judge Meagher said we could.
TO: Representative Bill Wesley
Hello, Rep. Wesley,
Please vote YES on SB 84, which prohibits solitary confinement for imprisoned women who are pregnant, and sets up care for their baby for the first 72 hours of the baby’s life. It also provides criminal penalties for prison employees who rape or sexually assault their prisoners.
I worked as a Public Defender for five years. Despite the crimes they have committed, all prisoners should be protected from assault and other mistreatment while imprisoned. Women who are pregnant are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional trauma while imprisoned and have a right to be treated with security and protection.
Thank you for your consideration of my opinion. If you have any comments or questions for me, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your service.
Virginia Meagher, Retired Attorney and Judge, Jackson, KY
As noted in our recent article on lobbying in the time of COVID, personal letters to legislators are one of the best ways you can have an impact in Frankfort – especially if your life experiences are pertinent to the bill under consideration. It only takes a minute to write your legislator, and it is much more effective than email.
So, just because you can’t GO to Frankfort, doesn’t mean you can’t BE in Frankfort. Your voice is valuable! Follow the example of Judge Meagher, and push for bills you care about.
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