Two inmates at New Jersey's only women's prison are pregnant after having sex with another inmate.
The women, both prisoners at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton, became pregnant after engaging in "consensual sexual relationships with another incarcerated person," Dan Sperrazza, the Department of Corrections' external affairs executive director, told NJ.com.
The "other incarcerated person" is transgender, Sperrazza added. Names of those involved were not released.
It's not yet clear if anyone will be penalized for the sexual trysts. An investigation is ongoing.
"While DOC cannot comment on any specific disciplinary or housing decisions that may be considered in light of these events, the Department always reserves all options to ensure the health and safety of the individuals in its custody," Sperrazza said.
The Edna Mahan Correctional Facility currently houses 27 prisoners who identify as transgender, according to NJ.com.
The facility began housing transgender inmates last year following a lawsuit by a transgender prisoner who claimed she was forced to live in a men's prison, where she was abused, despite identifying as female. As part of the settlement, New Jersey adopted a system-wide policy that includes housing inmates in line with gender identity, and not sex assigned at birth.
The Edna Mahan Correctional Facility has been embroiled in controversy for years, with multiple correctional officers accused of sexual abuse and misconduct, including 10 guards who are currently facing criminal charged for an alleged assault on inmates in 2020, WTVO reported.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced plans to close the facility last year, though it's not clear if a closing date has been set.
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