Parenting is a challenge under any circumstances. Now, consider the plight of women who give birth while incarcerated, or the children born to mothers in prison. This is the reality for countless women in the U.S. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, around 219,000 women were imprisoned in 2017. While current statistics on pregnant women in prison can be hard to come by, a Bureau of Justice Statistics survey in 2004 indicated that approximately 3% of women in federal and 4% in state prisons were pregnant upon their admission. If we apply these percentages to the 2017 figures, it suggests that around 6,500 incarcerated women were expecting.
At first glance, this number might seem small compared to the overall female prison population. However, it represents roughly 6,500 children who will enter the world with their mothers behind bars. As a father of three who experienced my own father’s incarceration, I find these statistics deeply concerning, and I believe you should too.
Some of my earliest memories involve visiting my father in the county jail. Each cellblock was named after ski resorts—Alta, Solitude, Snowbird, and Sundance. We always met him in the Solitude corridor, a stark and sterile environment that was far from what I had imagined. My father would sit behind Plexiglas, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, while we exchanged glances filled with unspoken wishes for a different reality.
I can empathize with any child struggling to maintain a connection with a parent who is in prison. We often discuss the importance of giving children a good start in life, and being born to an incarcerated mother is a compelling reason to provide that child with additional resources and support. Sadly, the reality is that most children born to incarcerated women in the U.S. are often denied proper medical care and postnatal support.
Victoria Law’s article, “Pregnant and Behind Bars: How the US Prison System Abuses Mothers-to-Be”, highlights the poor treatment of pregnant women in prison. She describes harrowing scenarios where women give birth on filthy mattresses, endure labor without any prenatal care, and occasionally are even shackled during delivery. Many women report malnutrition during pregnancy or receiving expired food when additional meals are offered.
This article is a difficult read, especially for anyone who understands the challenges of bringing a child into the world. Incarcerated pregnant women should not have to forfeit basic human rights, nor should their unborn children suffer from a lack of medical attention or parenting education.
Law’s piece calls for reform in the prison system, and there are some positive examples emerging. For instance, The Justice Home in New York provides prenatal care and alternatives to incarceration for local mothers. The Montana Women’s Prison Parenting Program offers a comprehensive set of resources, including parenting classes, support groups, and mother-child visitation days, all aimed at helping incarcerated mothers in Billings.
In interviews with several pregnant women benefiting from the Montana Women’s Prison Parenting Program, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. “I’m confident that I can transition back into the community and be a good mom. I have the tools now,” one participant shared. “It’s like having a second mom around.” This program also provides opportunities for mothers and their children to enjoy a family-friendly environment during monthly Kids’ Days. Reflecting on my visits to my father, I can’t help but think how much better our connection could have been in a more supportive setting.
One mother remarked, “When the kids come here, it’s not intimidating. It feels homey, with games and toys.” The courses offered give these mothers the skills and motivation they need to make lasting changes that benefit both themselves and their children.
Ultimately, incarcerated mothers and their children deserve these enriching programs. There is no justification for denying mothers essential medical care, regardless of their circumstances. As a society, we should all be invested in the well-being of every child and advocate for more prisons to adopt initiatives like the Montana Women’s Prison Parenting Program. For those interested in further family-building options, including home insemination, check out this post on the artificial insemination kit. This resource from Resolve is also excellent for anyone looking into pregnancy options.
In summary, it is crucial that we support programs designed for pregnant women in prison. These initiatives not only empower mothers but also foster healthier beginnings for their children.