Confronting Problems Faced by Pregnant Inmates in State Prisons

Abstract

Very little is known about the types of services currently available in state prisons to combat the physical and psychological problems faced by pregnant inmates. Such services are extremely important for the physical and psychological well-being of these women as well as their subsequently born children. This article presents results from a study of the prevalence and types of policies being implemented voluntarily for the care and support of pregnant inmates in state prisons throughout the United States. The implications of these results for policies designed to reduce the problems faced by pregnant inmates are also presented.