Incarcerated Pregnant People 2023
Mental health, chronic and infectious conditions among pregnant persons in US state prisons and local jails 2016–2017
This study demonstrates that chronic medical and mental health conditions are prevalent among pregnant people in US prisons and jails. However, significant variability in the reported number of cases of these conditions from state to state and between facility types implies a lack of or inadequate screening practices. These data indicate the need for comprehensive screening and appropriate care for the complex needs of pregnant incarcerated people.
State Laws on Substance Use Treatment for Incarcerated Pregnant and Postpartum People
The majority of states across the U.S. lack legislation that address SUD screening and treatment among incarcerated perinatal populations. Given the known limited access to SUD treatment for perinatal populations in custody, increasing legislative statutes could increase access to essential care.
State Standards for Pregnancy-Related Health Care in Prison
This resource guide includes five sections: First, it provides a short summary of minimum national standards that correctional facilities should meet as one important step for addressing the health needs of pregnant inmates. Second, it offers a short summary of the federal courts’ treatment of the use of restraints on pregnant inmates. Third, it provides an overview of the ways that federal agencies meet or fail to meet national standards. Fourth, it offers a general overview of the ways that the state policies located meet or fail to meet those national standards.
The Realities of Pregnancy and Mothering While Incarcerated
Women of reproductive age may experience pregnancy and mothering in a correctional environment designed for men. Rates of incarceration for women in the United States are high by international standards, and they continue to rise. Mothers were often single mothers prior to incarceration, and they are often separated from their children for the first time upon entering prison. Pregnancy, delivery, lactation, and parenting each require special consideration. Outcomes of pregnancy in prison are better overall than for similarly disadvantaged women in the community.
The Realities of Pregnancy and Mothering While Incarcerated
Women of reproductive age may experience pregnancy and mothering in a correctional environment designed for men. Rates of incarceration for women in the United States are high by international standards, and they continue to rise. Mothers were often single mothers prior to incarceration, and they are often separated from their children for the first time upon entering prison. Pregnancy, delivery, lactation, and parenting each require special consideration. Outcomes of pregnancy in prison are better overall than for similarly disadvantaged women in the community.
Data on Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes from Prisons and Jails: Results from a Feasibility Study
This report describes the results of a BJS study that assessed the feasibility of collecting data on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes from prisons and jails. It examined the availability and quality of data, the respondent burden, and the challenges of collecting data on the health and health care of pregnant women in custody at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. BJS will use the findings of this study to help determine the best strategies for implementing national data collections in correctional settings. The study was undertaken in response to the U.S.