Pregnant and in Prison: Can the Quality of Services Provided Affect the Overall Perception of Being Pregnant in Prison?

Abstract

The suicides of six women within a year at Styal Prison in 2006 (Prison Reform Trust: 2010) lead the Government to appoint Baroness Jean Corston to undertake a review of women with particular vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system. The result? The Corston Report, a document with recommendations for a new woman-centred approach in dealing with female offending. Whilst this was a progressive movement, one particular minority of prisoners received little mention – pregnant women. With no official statistics on the number of pregnant women in prison, they become a difficult group to provide services for even though they are arguably one of the most vulnerable. Literature shows that the overall perception of being pregnant in prison is negative while the perception of individual services is generally positive. This research aims to provide up to date information as to whether the quality of services provided can affect the overall perception of being pregnant in prison, looking at one specific (but for publication reasons anonymous) establishment. This forms a basis for further research, something which will only help this vulnerable group and their developing children further.