Why we are needed
There are now 4,269 women in prison and 7 Mother and Baby Units in the UK. In 1994, a survey of female prisoners found 3% were pregnant.
Women who are pregnant and who give birth in prison do not receive the support and care that women in the community have long campaigned for and, largely, won. Outside prison, pregnant women and new mothers can expect to be cared for in a way which values their dignity and individual needs and which offers choice, continuity of care and cultural sensitivity. They generally have access to good nutrition, education and information. They also receive support from their family, friends and local community.
In contrast, women who are pregnant whilst in prison are denied many of these things. Many women prisoners come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are therefore particularly vulnerable during their pregnancies due to the effects of poor health, poverty and lack of support. Foreign national prisoners face particular problems due to communication and cultural differences. In Holloway prison, almost a quarter of the women are from abroad.
Research has shown that many pregnant women in prison have 'an almost unmanageable fear' of facing childbirth without the support of family and friends.
Since the formation of the group in October 1996, we have provided support to over 500 women.
