A Miami prison inmate gave birth to a baby girl after an unusual conception, defying medical odds and strict prison rules. Here is his testimony and that of the father, also detained.
Daisy Link, 29, has been incarcerated for more than two years at Turner Guilford Knight (TGK) Correctional Center in Miami, awaiting trial for murder. However, last June, she gave birth to a little girl whom she describes as “miracle baby”. What is most intriguing is that she claims to have never met the father of her child in person.
The father, Joan Depaz, 23, is also being held on a murder charge. DNA tests confirmed his paternity. How could such a conception come about? The answer is as surprising as the situation itself: “Through the vents”explains Daisy Link.
Discussions through the vents
Link and Depaz established a bond by communicating through the air vents in their cells. “You tap on the gate, and you can hear people on different floors”says Daisy Link. They also exchanged notes and photos, spending hours talking. One thing led to another and their relationship evolved into an unexpected project.
Depaz shared her dream of having a child despite her incarceration. “If I had to choose anyone, it would be you.”he confided to her. Together, they hatched an improbable plan to make this wish come true.
An “ingenious” but risky method
Using a makeshift rope made from sheets, Depaz transmitted his semen wrapped in plastic film to Link. She then used it with an improvised medical applicator to attempt insemination. To their surprise, the method worked after just a few tries.
A fertility specialist, Dr. Fernando Akerman, explained that although the chances of success are extremely low (“This is an exceptional and extremely rare case,” he said.
The baby, born June 19, currently lives with Depaz’s mother. Link and Depaz, now in separate prisons, continue to communicate by phone and see their daughter via video calls. “She can become anything she wants. I believe she will achieve great things”Daisy Link says hopefully.
An internal investigation is underway to understand how such a situation could have occurred under the surveillance of the guards.
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