Judge to Reconsider Probation Requiring Birth Control

VISALIA — A Tulare County judge has agreed to reconsider his controversial order requiring birth control implants for a woman convicted of child abuse.

The defense says that Darlene Johnson’s civil rights were violated by Superior Court Judge Howard Broadman’s order. She agreed to the implants as a term of probation, but later said she feared that form of birth control might complicate her blood pressure problems. Broadman will listen to defense counsel’s objections at a hearing Thursday.

Johnson will go on three years probation after several months in jail for beating two daughters, ages 4 and 6, with a belt, belt buckle and an extension cord.

Broadman also ordered Johnson, 27, who is seven months pregnant with her fifth child, to quit smoking, telling her: “If you can’t quit smoking for the betterment of your baby, how are you ever going to get your act together not to beat your children?”