White County, Tenn. Inmates Given Reduced Jail Time for Vasectomy, Birth Control

Inmates in White County, Tennessee have been offered a 30-day credit off their sentences in exchange for receiving a vasectomy or birth-control implant, News Channel 5 reported. The ACLU has blasted the program as “unconstitutional.” Female inmates can get a free Nexplanon arm implant that prevents pregnancies for up to four years. So far 32 women have gotten an implant and 38 men are waiting for a vasectomy. The program has only been in place since May, and General Sessions Judge Sam Benningfield, who signed a standing order for the program, gave this rationale: “I hope to encourage them to take personal responsibility and give them a chance, when they do get out, to not to be burdened with children. This gives them a chance to get on their feet and make something of themselves.”