OTTAWA, Ont. – Community and Correctional Services is investigating a complaint involving the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre, after a Cornwall woman delivered her baby boy on the floor of her jail cell.

On September 29, Julie Bilotta, 26, told staff she was in labour.

Bryonie Baxter of the Elizabeth Fry Society tells 1310News, she met with Bilotta earlier this week.  “Having a breech birth in a segregation cell is particularly difficult”.     Baxter has filed a complaint with the Ontario college of nurses and the Ontario Ombudsman.    “The baby’s life was put in danger frankly by the situation”.

The situation is not surprising to Baxter, a long time advocate for prisoner’s rights.    “I’m hearing frequent complants about health care at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre”.

According to her mother, Kim Hurtibise, staff at the jail told Bilotta her due date was too far off, and that she was in false labour.  Billotta allegedly pleaded with staff for medical help for several hours, but was ignored.

It was only after the beginnings of the breach birth when paramedics were called.  They arrived in time to deliver Bilotta’s baby, Gionni Lee.  The baby spent nine days in hospital, and he is now being cared for by Bilotta’s mother.

Bilotta is still in jail, facing drug and fraud charges.