Topic

Criminal justice

Find out more about our work focusing on women who have contact with the criminal justice system during pregnancy and early motherhood.

Browse recent reports, campaigns and events.

Articles

News post

Sentencing Bill: Good, bad, or somewhere in between?

A response to the Sentencing Bill from the Birth Companions Institute
Resource
Report

A Window of Opportunity

Understanding the needs and experiences of pregnant women and new mothers in contact with the criminal justice system in the community in England.
Resource
Report

Breaking out of the Justice Loop

Creating a criminal justice system that works for women
Resource
Report

Spotlight: Dual Contact

Understanding the needs and experiences of women in contact with the criminal justice and children’s social care systems during pregnancy and early motherhood
Resource
Toolkit

Your inside guide to pregnancy, birth and motherhood in prison

An accessible and comprehensive guide to pregnancy and early motherhood in the prison system
Resource
Report

Birth Charter for women in prisons

Informing policy and practice relating to the care and treatment of pregnant women, mothers and their babies in prison
Resource
Report

The Lost Mothers Project

Focusing on the needs and experiences of women who are separated from their infants due to imprisonment
Resource
Consultation

Sentencing Review 2025: The specific needs and issues associated with pregnancy and early motherhood

Birth Companions' submission to the Government's Sentencing Review 2024-2025 call for evidence

Campaigns and programmes

Programme

1001 Days in the CJS

Coordinated programme of work to achieve an ambitious new approach to pregnancy, birth and early motherhood across the whole criminal justice system

Events

Event

Pregnancy and Postpartum in Prison: Healthcare, Law, and Lived Experience

30 October 2025
–
,
Minneapolis, MN & Online
CIC's 3rd Annual Global Prison Nursery Network Symposium