Two women have shared their experiences of giving birth while serving a prison sentence . ‌

Between 2022 and 2023, just under 200 women were pregnant in UK jails , and these expectant mums are at a higher risk of serious complications and perinatal mental health issues. ‌

Gemma Smith was just 22 years old when she entered HM Prison Peterborough in October 2009 at six months pregnant. ‌

Gemma, a content creator and administrative assistant from Sussex, who served her time for Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) with intent, found herself feeling “trapped” with just a few hours outside her single cell a day.

She told the Mirror : “I was in my cell for around 20 hours a day. I was behind a door, with no communication. I was overthinking, stressed and frustrated.

“The prison beds wer

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