White County, Tennessee, inmates have been offered credit for jail time if they voluntarily agree to getting a vasectomy or birth control implant. The program has been called unconstitutional by the ACLU,

General Sessions Judge Sam Benningfield signed the order on May 15, 2017, that allows inmates to obtain 30 days of credit toward jail time if they choose to undergo the birth control procedure.

Women inmates who volunteer for the program are given a free Nexplanon implant in their arms, which helps to prevent pregnancies for up to four years. Men are given free vasectomy procedures, courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Health.

County officials said since the program began, 32 women and 38 men have already signed up for or received the birth control procedure.

Judge Benningfield said he was trying to break the cycle of repeat offenders who had previously come into the court room on drug related charges and who couldn't afford to pay child support.

"I hope to encourage them to take personal responsibility and give them a chance, when they do get out, to not be burdened with children," said Judge Benningfield. "This gives them a chance to get on their feet and make something of themselves."