§ Lord Dholakiaasked Her Majesty's Government:
What advice they give to the Prison Service on the care of pregnant women and their babies in prison. [HL3820]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)All women's prisons have received the advice contained in the report by the Prison Service Directorate of Health Care Working Party on Midwifery Services, published in 1992. This report makes a number of recommendations on the care of pregnant women and babies in prison, and, in particular, that all midwifery care for pregnant prisoners should be provided by the local National Health Service community midwifery services.
Four women's prisons have mother and baby units, where some women prisoners with babies may care for them. Guidance on all aspect of mother and baby units is provided to all women's prisons in a detailed booklet. A separate booklet is also available for women prisoners who are interested in applying for a place in a mother and baby unit.
A new health care standard for women's health care is planned to be issued in 1999. This will bring up to date and amplify the requirements for the care of pregnant prisoners and babies in prison.