Pregnant and Locked Up

Words Faith Wilcox

There has been an insurmountable rise of those affected by COVID-19 in recent weeks, from the young to the elderly alike. However, many of these numbers neglect to include a vital part of our population; the individuals that make up the prison system.

Shutterstock

In November 2019, it was recorded that 47 pregnant women were incarcerated across England and Wales. As part of the vulnerable in society, pregnant women have been advised to stay at home for the duration of the crisis. However, what hasn't been addressed are the number of incarcerated pregnant women - should they be granted early or temporary release in line within COVID-19 guidelines?

Prisons in the UK have already taken the initiative to separate pregnant women from the general population; this includes transfers within prisons being kept to a minimum to keep in line with the social distancing guidelines. Generally overcrowded and overpopulated environments with minimal ‘personal space’, prisons are a hub for the distribution of the virus. This puts pregnant prisoners and children on mother and baby units at a higher risk. 

Currently, the UK has six mother and baby secure units catering to 70 women and babies. Often, these women are sentenced to prisons in conditions unwarranted for pregnancies. The lack of spaces in mother and baby units results in many pregnant prisoners giving birth in  the confines of the prison walls. In 2019, the death of a baby in HMP Bronzefield came as a wakeup call to the UK prison system. However, the conditions of these institutions still remain the same. The closure of female prisons such as HMP Holloway have put an immense strain on resources in terms of space for pregnant inmates and secure mother and baby units. 

Current predicaments have seen prisons being forced to implement lockdowns of up to 23 hours, something highly unusual for female institutions. The mental adjustment for many inmates could also see an increase on prisoners being placed on AACT’s (Suicide and Self-harm watch). 

Governors have been given the authority to release pregnant women and those with young children. This is subject to each prisoner's risk assessment, as those deemed high risk will remain in prison to serve their terms.                                

Shutterstock

Although the release of certain prisoners sounds like good news, from my personal experience of working in a female institution, I have seen many prisoners released without access to secure accommodation. For many inmates, leaving prison brings more anxiety than entering. The fear of not having a family or home to go to can put pressure on ex-offenders to re-offend. It is estimated that about one in five women, upon release, end up homeless. Aside from the risk of the virus, homelessness is a serious issue that could also increase the risk of spreading the virus to the general population. 

What's more concerning is the longer the government is taking to action these plans, it would appear that children are being punished for the depravity of their mothers. This is particularly so in the current prison regime, where there is reduced activity for children. It appears unjust that children are having their health put at risk; due to the government's poor implementation of their decisions. Urgent action is required to protect the pregnant inmates and those placed on the secure mother and baby units. Footage has been circulating over social media displaying the appalling conditions of prisoners suspected to be positive with COVID-19. With this being risky and perilous times, HMPPS (Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services) will need to review the status and conditions of secure units and pregnant women, as a matter of grave urgency. 

Post COVID-19, it is possible that we will see a campaign for the shift of prison policy pertaining to pregnant inmates and inmates in secure mother and baby units. Conditions for these groups need to be evaluated in terms of standards and wellbeing. The increase in the female population will require the building of more female institutions, specifically those dedicated to mothers and babies. Currently, there are no female institutions in Wales. HMP Berwyn Wales (male institution) was opened in 2017 and has still not reached full capacity. Having a female section of this prison is something the government might want to consider when expanding spaces for female inmates.

If you are concerned about someone you know in prison, especially if they are pregnant or in a secure mother and baby unit; please do not hesitate to contact the safer custody department or the duty governor of the prison.

Faith Wilcox - Trainee Social Worker