Herts research sparks parliamentary review of sentencing for pregnant women
The Lost Mothers Project explores the lived experiences of incarcerated women who give birth in prison
Ground-breaking research from the University of Hertfordshire has led to calls in Parliament to re-examine sentencing guidelines for pregnant women in the criminal justice system.
It follows The Lost Mothers Project, led by Dr Laura Abbott, midwife and Associate Professor at the University, which explores the lived experiences of incarcerated women who give birth in prison and endure forced separation from their babies.
The findings were presented earlier this month at a powerful House of Commons event hosted by MP Carolyn Harris.
Attended by policymakers, researchers, advocates, and formerly imprisoned women, the event featured a moving performance of Scenes from Lost Mothers, a play by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti.
Developed with Clean Break theatre company and Birth Companions, the play draws on interviews with 29 mothers and 47 prison and maternity staff to portray the trauma of maternal separation.
“This event was a powerful moment of recognition for women whose stories are too often hidden,” said Dr Abbott. “It’s time for their voices to shape policy.”
The next day in Parliament, Carolyn Harris MP urged colleagues to review the findings of the Lost Mothers report during a speech in the House of Commons.
Her remarks were met with cross-party support, highlighting growing political will to reform how pregnant women are treated within the justice system.
Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, emphasised the University’s commitment to impactful research: “By bringing hidden injustices into the spotlight, this project is influencing the national conversation on justice reform.”
The full Lost Mothers Project report is available at Lost Mothers website.