CLINTON, N.J. (AP) — A transgender inmate housed at New Jersey’s only women’s prison was transferred to another facility after two prisoners became pregnant following sexual relationships behind bars, state corrections officials confirmed.
The inmate, Demi Minor, 27, had been incarcerated at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, where New Jersey allows some transgender prisoners to be housed according to their gender identity. Minor is serving a 30-year sentence for manslaughter and is eligible for parole in 2037.
Officials with the New Jersey Department of Corrections said the pregnancies occurred after what they described as consensual sexual relationships between incarcerated people. However, corrections policies strictly prohibit sexual contact between inmates, regardless of consent.
Following the discovery of the pregnancies, Minor was removed from the women’s prison and transferred to the vulnerable housing unit at Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, a prison primarily housing male inmates ages 18 to 30. Corrections officials said the move was made to maintain security and safety within the facility.
The incident drew national attention because it unfolded shortly after New Jersey implemented policies allowing transgender inmates to request housing based on gender identity. The policy followed a legal settlement supported by civil rights groups who argued transgender prisoners face heightened risk of violence in facilities that do not align with their gender identity.
At the time of the incident, officials said 27 transgender inmates were housed at the Edna Mahan facility, which holds more than 800 prisoners.
News of the pregnancies quickly ignited political and legal debate over how prisons should balance gender identity rights, safety concerns, and correctional policies that prohibit sexual activity among inmates.
Minor has publicly criticized the transfer, saying prison officials were punishing her for the relationships and placing her in a more dangerous environment.
State corrections officials declined to comment on disciplinary actions related to the pregnancies but said any violations of prison rules are subject to internal investigation.
The identities of the two pregnant inmates were not publicly released, and officials have not disclosed further details about their cases.
