The New York State Department of Corrections on Thursday began freeing some inmates who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
All of the jailbirds ordered sprung are within six months of their scheduled release, and none have been convicted of violent felony or sex offenses, the DOCCS said.
“The Department will conduct an individualized review and re-entry plan for each eligible person to ensure suitable housing and health care for these expectant and current mothers, as well as their children,” it said in a statement.
The department didn’t say how many “pregnant, non-violent” women were incarcerated in the state prison system.
An aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo said more releases may be coming, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.
“We will continue to monitor the COVID situation as it impacts every aspect of our state, including prisons, and make adjustments as appropriate,” Melissa DeRosa, the secretary to the governor, said in a statement.
Previously, the state freed inmates with less than 90 days on their sentence who were 55 or older and whose underlying crime was not a violent felony or a sex offense.
Technical parole violation warrants for those who didn’t pose a threat to public safety were also lifted.