Urgent Call for Reform in the Treatment of Incarcerated Mothers and Their Babies

A recent report has ignited urgent calls for reform within England and Wales' criminal justice system, spotlighting the profound emotional impact on mothers incarcerated and separated from their children. The collaborative research, known as the Lost Mothers Project, is a partnership between the University of Hertfordshire, the charity Birth Companions, and women with lived experience of incarceration. It aimed to examine the systemic failures and emotional toll associated with the enforced separation of mothers and infants in prison.

Drawing on a comprehensive 12-month study involving interviews, observations, and insights from staff across five women's prisons, the report reveals the devastating consequences of current practices. It highlights that many mothers experience intense emotional pain and physical distress due to separation, often compounded by delays and inconsistencies in accessing Mother and Baby Units (MBUs). Between 2023 and 2024, only 50 out of 92 applications for MBU placement were successful, with decisions frequently delayed and lacking adequate representation of mothers’ needs.

The findings also point to systemic shortcomings such as delays in decision-making, absence of specialized staff training, and insufficient support for both mothers and prison staff. The emotional strain on professionals working with these mothers further exacerbates the challenges.

Dr. Laura Abbott, lead researcher and associate professor at the University of Hertfordshire, emphasizes the trauma inflicted by forced separation. She states that the current prison system is not a safe environment for pregnant women, mothers, or their infants, and urges a transformative approach. The report advocates for community-based alternatives to incarceration, trauma-informed care, comprehensive staff training, and inclusive decision-making that respects mothers’ rights.

Naomi Delap of Birth Companions underscores the lifelong impact maternal separation can have on both mother and child, affecting bonding, attachment, breastfeeding, and maternal mental health. She advocates for prioritizing the first 1,001 days of a child's life—fundamental for healthy development—by adopting a radically different approach to pregnancy and motherhood within the justice system.

The report concludes with practical recommendations for immediate implementation, aiming to reduce unnecessary separations, support maternal well-being, and improve outcomes for families affected by incarceration.