Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jon Ungoed-Thomas and Chelsie Henshaw

Urgent call for review into sentencing pregnant women due to health risks

The No Babies Behind Bars campaign group protesting outside HMP Bronzefield prison in Ashford, Surrey
The No Babies Behind Bars campaign group protesting outside HMP Bronzefield prison in Ashford, Surrey on Saturday 24 September. Photograph: Elizabeth Dalziel/PA

A coalition of campaigners and health experts is calling for an urgent review into the sentencing of pregnant female offenders, warning of the increased risk of adverse outcomes to babies born in custody.

An open letter to Brandon Lewis, the justice secretary, and the Sentencing Council for England and Wales warns that pregnant women in jail suffer severe stress and highlights evidence suggesting they are more likely to have a stillbirth. The signatories include the Royal College of Midwives and Liberty.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.