Julie Bilotta launches $1.3M lawsuit after jailhouse birth

The woman who made national headlines in 2012 after giving birth in an Ottawa jail cell is suing the province, the jail and some ofits staff and guards for more than $1 million.

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Julie Bilotta was eight months pregnant when she was remanded to the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre in September 2012.

In the lawsuit, she claims guards and medical staff ignored her calls for help as she went into labour in her jail cell.Her son, Gionni, was born alive and suffered respiratory problems.

The lawsuit claims Gionni's death about a year later was related to the circumstances of his birth.

The statement of claim is asking for $1.3 million in damages for failing to provide adequate medical care. The lawsuit names the province, the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre as well as guards and staff who were on duty at the time of the birth.

So far none of Bilotta's claims have been tested in court and statements of defence have not yet been filed. The province will not comment on the lawsuit because the matter is nowbeforethe courts.

The incident led to a review of the province's health policies regarding pregnant prisoners.

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa said that while there have been some improvements, post-natal care and overcrowding at OCDC are still concerns.