Idaho Inmate Just Gave Birth, What’s Next for the Baby?

Pregnancy in Prison

BOISE, Idaho. On Tuesday, Mar. 1, Shawte McGlothen gave birth while serving time in the Ada County Jail. Despite the unexpected and dangerous manner in which McGlothen's child entered the world, the baby girl named Adalynn was born healthy and beautiful.

On the unique nature of McGlothen's situation, Ada County Sheriff's Office noted that while "it is relatively common for us to have pregnant inmates in the Ada County Jail, it is incredibly rare for a baby to be born here."

But what happens next?

What Happens Next for Mom & Baby?

As news of baby Addalynn's rare arrival begins its inevitable fade from the spotlight, we're left to wonder what happens next for mom and baby? The reality is McGlothen's baby was taken from her a few hours after the featured photo was taken. It's but one of the many painful challenges faced by Idaho's post-partum incarcerated inmates.

The Gem State has three in-state female inmate facilities: the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center, the South Boise Women’s Correctional Center, and East Boise Community Work Center. According to the most recent data compiled by the Idaho Department of Correction,

70 percent of incarcerated women in Idaho have dependent children, and on average, 5 or 6 women are pregnant at any one time at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center.

In response to the growing number of incarcerated mothers and pregnant inmate population, a 2017 report from KBOI announced a first-of-its-kind Idaho initiative aimed at "bridging the gap between their due date and their release date."

Connecting Incarcerated Idaho Mothers with Their Children

To reduce the strain experienced by incarcerated mothers and their families, the Dept. of Corrections "offers programs to strengthen the relationship between incarcerated mothers and their children, and to facilitate family reunification."

One example is Pocatello's Child Visitation Program. In Pocatello, the Dept. of Corrections provides a special visitation unit where mothers and their children can bond in a friendly space. The unit contains books, toys, and an outdoor play area.

While parenting from prison is hardly an ideal situation, our team is grateful to learn of the many ways incarcerated mothers and their children are supported by the state of Idaho.

Click here to learn more about the additional programs available to incarcerated Idaho mothers in a report issued by Idaho's Office of Performance Evaluations.

Keep scrolling for Idaho's reaction to the baby born in Ada County Jail on Mar. 2., 2023.

Boise Reacts to Ada County Jail Inmate Giving Birth Behind Bars

BOISE, Idaho. The reality of being pregnant in prison is brutal.

From being separated from their baby just hours after giving birth, to carrying the weight of the public's opinion on their shoulders, what happens to pregnant inmates is heartbreaking.

The commentary in the gallery below highlights how a number of Idahoans feel about the inmate who recently gave birth inside of the Ada County Jail.

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

🤵🏼 How to Marry an Inmate in an Idaho County Jail 👰🏼

BOISE, Idaho. It came as a surprise to us, but incarceration is no reason to postpone a wedding ceremony!

According to information released by the Idaho Department of Corrections, "inmates are allowed to marry while incarcerated." It's a highly involved process, but it's absolutely doable if a couple is serious about starting their happily ever after before an inmate completes their sentence.

💒 Scroll on for the 17 steps Idaho inmates need complete to get married during their prison stay!

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

✅ Here's How To Behave When Idaho Police Stop You

BOISE, Idaho. For many, getting pulled over by law enforcement can be an uncomfortable experience. Because knowing better leads to doing better, we're exploring the dos and don'ts of getting pulled over in Idaho.

Scroll on for advice on the do's and don'ts of Idaho traffic stops from an Idaho Criminal Defense Attorney! For more information, click the pic!

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela