Pregnant women in prison in England are three times more likely to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes compared to those outside, recent data reveals. This condition can lead to complications in pregnancy and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Experts highlight the severe health risks incarcerated pregnant women face due to lack of appropriate care and nutrition in prison settings.
The Ministry of Justice reported 215 pregnant women in prison from April 2023 to March 2024, with majority of births taking place in hospitals. Data also shows that women in prison are seven times more likely to experience stillbirth and twice as likely to go into premature labor. Incidents such as newborn Aisha Cleary’s death in HMP Bronzefield underscore the urgent need for improved care for pregnant women in prisons.
Amelia, a former prisoner, shared her traumatic experience of being pregnant in prison, where her gestational diabetes was not properly managed and she faced limited access to healthcare and nutritious food. Her story highlights the mental and physical toll of incarceration on pregnant women and their babies.
Calls are growing to end the imprisonment of pregnant women, with experts advocating for community sentencing as a safer alternative. The government has acknowledged the concerns raised and has implemented measures to address the issue, including the establishment of the Women’s Justice Board to reduce the number of women in prison, especially those who are pregnant or mothers. International best practices, such as laws against imprisoning pregnant women and mothers in other countries, serve as a model for the UK to prioritize the well-being of women and children in the criminal justice system.
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