Exploring the Role of Pregnancy in Prison Adjustment

• In Event: Gender, Health, and the Politics of Care in Correctional Institutions

Abstract

In recent decades, research has consistently demonstrated a substantial increase in the number of women who are incarcerated. Yet, research largely overlooks the role gender plays in prison life. One example that is underexplored in correctional scholarship is the experience of pregnancy among incarcerated women; in 2016, the Pregnancy in Prison Statistics (PIPS) study became the first systematic examination of pregnancy while incarcerated. While PIPS was the first to examine the extent of pregnancy in the prison setting, there is still much that remains unexplored regarding the experiences of pregnant women in prison. As such, this study explores if differences exist in the carceral experiences between women based on pregnancy status using a nationally representative sample of incarcerated women. For example, we examine the role of pregnancy in several indicators that may impact adjustment to prison life, including but not limited to mental illness and substance use/abuse, service utilization/program participation, victimization history, and misconduct. Results indicate there are differences between groups in the prison experience. Implications for criminological theory and policy are discussed.

Authors

• Brigette Rosenberg, The University of Tampa

• Rachel Severson, The University of Tampa