Paynter M, Martin-Misener R, Iftene A, Tomblin-Murphy G. A qualitative case study of pregnancy and early parenting in Canada's federal prisons for women.
PLoS One 2023;
18:e0294961. [PMID:
38150436 PMCID:
PMC10752509 DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0294961]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of pregnant people and new parents in Canadian federal prisons for women, and to better understand their ability to participate in the institutional Mother Child Program.
METHODS
This qualitative case study used semi-structured interviews with people who experienced federal incarceration during pregnancy or the early parenting years.
FINDINGS
Major themes in the analysis include: 1) Reasons why- and why not- to participate in the Mother Child Program; 2) Mothering from inside; 3) Health care; and 4) Strategies and survival.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
Mothers describe multiple reasons for choosing not to participate or being ineligible for the Mother Child Program; separation as common and traumatic; health services as inadequate; and mental health concerns being met with punishment. Alternatives to incarceration are recommended.
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