Birth Charter for women in prisons

Birth Companions' Birth Charter for women in prison is intended to help inform both policy and practice relating to the care and treatment of pregnant women, mothers and their babies in prison, covering a range of issues from antenatal care and birth partners to breastfeeding, family visits and counselling.

This Charter was developed in consultation with women who have been supported by Birth Companions, and with guidance from the Royal College of Midwives and UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative.

The Toolkit that accompanies this Charter was published in 2019, to bridge gaps between what is set out in policy and what is actually provided in practice. It provides stakeholders with a practical guide to help them address these gaps and implement the Charter’s recommendations.

The Toolkit was produced with support from University of Central Lancashire and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.

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