The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have written to the Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, calling for an independent investigation into the reported unlawful use of restraints on pregnant women in prison. The letter follows reports of two women being handcuffed during labour for 34 and 48 hours, respectively, raising serious concerns about systemic mistreatment within the prison system.
The RCM and RCOG have said the use of restraint during labour is degrading, dehumanising and a violation of privacy and dignity
Rachel Drain, RCM’s Quality and Standards Advisor, stressed the urgency of addressing these practices, she said:
“Labour is an unpredictable and vulnerable time. Restraining a woman during childbirth is not only inhumane but also dangerously impedes essential medical care. The physical and emotional trauma of such treatment cannot be understated. We need an independent investigation to uncover the full extent of this issue and ensure immediate change.”
Rachel added:
“Prison is no place for pregnant women. They need access to specialist midwifery care, mental health support, and proper nutrition to ensure the best outcomes for themselves and their babies. We welcome steps towards sentencing reform, but these recent cases show there is still an urgent need for systemic change.”
The letter calls on the government to commission the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman to investigate the use of restraints on pregnant women, particularly at HMP Bronzefield, but also across the wider prison estate. The findings, it states, should be reported to Parliament via a Written Ministerial Statement.to restore public trust in the justice system.
This demand for action aligns with the RCM’s longstanding calls for reform in the treatment of pregnant women in custody.
The joint statement from the RCM and RCOG emphasises the need for immediate safeguards to protect pregnant women in prison, ensuring their safety and dignity are upheld. We are calling on the government to act now to prevent further harm and injustice says RCM.
