‘Urgent need for reform’ in treatment of mothers separated from their babies

Academics and campaigners are calling for urgent reform after a new report reveals the ‘emotional toll and profound pain’ brought about by the compulsory separation of mothers from their babies while incarcerated.

The Lost Mothers Project, a collaborative research initiative between the University of Hertfordshire, the charity Birth Companions, and an advisory team of women with lived experience, published the report to shed light on the emotional, psychological, and systemic challenges faced by incarcerated mothers separated from their babies and the professionals who support them.

Drawing on findings from their latest 12-month study, the report highlights the systemic failures and unaddressed needs of these mothers, describing the practice of compulsory separation as "devastating and draconian."

Led by Dr Laura Abbott, Associate Professor in Research at the University of Hertfordshire and a midwife, the Lost Mothers team collated and evaluated interviews, observations and staff insight from five women’s prisons in England, to understand the emotional, social and professional challenges faced by both mothers and staff.

“Our findings, published in this new Lost Mothers report, reveal the deep, emotional toll, and the profound, visceral pain brought about by the compulsory separation of mothers and babies in prison,” Dr Abbott said.

The findings also showed inconsistent and often delayed access to Mother and Baby Units (MBUs). Research showed that between 2023 and 2024, only 50 women were admitted to MBUs from 92 applications, with decisions made by multidisciplinary boards that can be late and lack adequate representation for mothers. Systemic failures including significant delays in emotionally impactful decision-making, absence of key professionals, and lack of comprehensive training for staff on the specific needs of incarcerated mothers was also highlighted.

“[The findings] also highlight how inadequate systems, inconsistent decision-making, staff shortages and lack of training exacerbate the trauma of this uniquely traumatic experience, for a cohort of women known to already have significant and complex needs stemming from poverty, abuse, racism, inequality and disadvantage,” Dr Abbott added.

Researchers also found significant emotional strain on professionals working with these mothers due to inadequate training and resources.

“The report ultimately underscores that prison is not a safe or appropriate place for pregnant women, mothers, or infants, and that the harm and distress caused to mothers and babies by the prison system and the experience of separation are severe and disproportionate. We are now calling for an ambitious new approach to pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood across the CJS to avoid unnecessary separations and improve outcomes for mothers and children.”

As well as emphasising the urgent need for long-term systemic changes to better support both mothers and professionals, the report makes a series of recommendations to be embedded immediately.

These include implementing well-supported community alternatives to incarceration for pregnant women and new mothers. Adopting trauma-informed and compassionate responses throughout the CJS. Providing comprehensive, consistent training and support for staff working with incarcerated mothers and inclusive decision-making that ensures decisions about mother and baby separations are made with timely input from all relevant professionals and with adequate legal representation for mothers.

Naomi Delap, Director of Birth Companions and member of the Women’s Justice Board Partnership Delivery Group said: “We know the first 1001 days from conception to a child’s second birthday is a crucial period for mothers and infants, when the foundations for children’s long-term physical and mental health are laid.”

“Separation poses many serious risks to mother and child, significantly impacting bonding and attachment; disrupting breast-feeding; and exacerbating maternal mental health issues.

“In so many cases this separation is unnecessary and disproportionate, and heaps harm on top of harm for women who are already facing some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable.”