Why are pregnant women in prison?

This study explores the reasons that pregnant women spend time in English prisons. This could be due to remand in custody (pre-trial detention), a custodial sentence, or recall during probation supervision (either because of a breach of conditions or a new offence).

The report presents evidence from women who had been pregnant in prison about the realities of their experience. With this evidence, the researchers ask whether pregnant women should ever be sent to prison and look at the alternatives to custody available to police and courts.

By Dr Rona Epstein and Dr Geraldine Brown at Coventry University, and Maria Garcia de Frutos at City University of London.

Published by Coventry University.