Dr. Laura Abbott is an accomplished researcher and Midwife specialising in pregnancy and new motherhood in prison settings. She began her career in healthcare by qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 1993 and later became a Registered Midwife in 2000. After working as an independent midwife for several years, Laura transitioned into education, where she currently holds the position of Associate Professor in Research at The University of Hertfordshire.

Laura’s doctoral research, titled “The Incarcerated Pregnancy: An Ethnographic Study of Perinatal Women in English Prisons,” provided valuable insights into the experiences of pregnant women in prison, informing policy decisions within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services. She co-authored “The Birth Charter” for pregnant women in England and Wales, a significant publication by Birth Companions in May 2016. Her expertise has significantly influenced the operational policy regarding pregnancy, Mother and Baby Units (MBUs), and maternal separation in prison settings.

In addition to her academic contributions, Laura has served as an expert witness and has provided evidence at the parliamentary Joint Human Rights Committee. Her evidence and expertise continue to play a crucial role in shaping changes in policy and the law. Her testimony has been instrumental in driving legislative changes, notably in recognising pregnancy as a mitigating factor for incarcerated pregnant women and new mothers. Her advocacy serves as a voice for both incarcerated women and midwives, ensuring their perspectives are considered in policymaking processes. She tirelessly advocates for midwifery representation at decision-making forums, ensuring the voices of midwives and incarcerated women are heard in governmental and policy-making settings.

Laura co-founded Pregnancy in Prison Partnership International (PIPPI), where she collaborates with academics from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, the USA, and the UK. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in establishing the UK-wide Prison Midwives Action Group (PMAG), supporting specialist prison midwives, and emphasising the importance of specialised care for pregnant women within the prison system. Laura is also a Principal Investigator for the ESRC funded Lost Mothers Project, a significant initiative in collaboration with Birth Companions and their Lived Experience Team. This project focuses on examining the experiences of enforced separation from newborn babies, shedding light on the profound impact it has on both mothers within the criminal justice system and the perspectives of health, social, and prison professionals involved.

Her dedication to advocating for the rights and well-being of incarcerated pregnant women and new mothers is evident in her multifaceted contributions to research, education, and advocacy efforts.