The Chicago Foundation for Women will award Gail T. Smith, CLAIM’s Founder and Senior Policy Director, a 2012 Impact Award on Thursday, March 15.

The awards honor local attorneys and activists who have defended women’s rights in the courtroom, the capitol and beyond. CFW is recognizing Smith for her work to end the shackling of pregnant women, as well as her longtime advocacy for the rights of incarcerated mothers and their children. Smith began CLAIM twenty-six years ago to provide legal services and to advocate for the rights of women with criminal histories. Smith is being honored together with attorneys Kenneth N. Flaxman and Thomas G. Morrissey for The Protect Pregnant Prisoners Campaign, litigation and legislation to end the dangerous practice of shackling incarcerated pregnant women and new mothers. Click here for more info.
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