Improving Antenatal Care in Prisons

Significant progress is being made to improve the outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth in many countries. In many low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Myanmar and Pakistan, great strides have been made in significantly reducing maternal mortality.1 However, the estimated 24 000–60 000 women who are pregnant and incarcerated worldwide often lack access to antenatal care at the same level as that available in their communities (Table 1).2 Despite clear international standards that mandate equivalent care for people in prison, pregnant women in these settings face significant barriers to adequate antenatal care.3–5 The needs of pregnant women are often overlooked in prisons designed to house men – who comprise most of the world’s prison population of over 10.1 million people.3,6 As the World Health Organization’s Member States consider the post-2015 agenda for maternal health, this vulnerable and hidden cohort of women should not be forgotten.  

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