Outcomes and Care Needs of Infants Born to Individuals Incarcerated During Pregnancy

Abstract

The rapid growth of incarceration of women in the United States has been accompanied by an increase in the number of pregnant individuals experiencing incarceration. Pregnant individuals in prisons and jails are at a higher risk for poor perinatal health outcomes. Existing data on these outcomes are limited, and research often only reflects single institutions or geographic regions. There is currently no consistent nationwide tracking system, and most existing research focuses solely on maternal health outcomes. To address this gap, this review centers on infant outcomes among those born to individuals incarcerated during pregnancy. We provide an overview of maternal incarceration and outcomes, explore what is currently known about infant outcomes, and examine policies and programs that influence infant health, specifically those related to lactation support, prison nursery programs, community-based initiatives, and alternative sentencing. Finally, we offer practical recommendations for clinicians caring for maternal-infant dyads affected by incarceration, including how clinicians can play a critical role in advocating both for individual patients and for policy change at the local, state, and national level.