“I’m Giving Birth in Thirty Days, and I Still Know Nothing”: A Qualitative Analysis of Incarcerated Pregnant Women’s Perceptions While Considering a Prison Nursery Program

Prison nursery programs, where incarcerated postpartum women and birthing people live with their newborns, have expanded in recent years. We assessed women’s perceptions of applying to a prison nursery program, adding to a limited body of literature on nurseries. We conducted 17 qualitative interviews with incarcerated pregnant women at a state prison with a nursery program. We found that the nursery application process causes emotional distress, inherently excludes mothers, and amplifies trauma. Until more opportunities exist that promote reproductive justice by divert birthing people from incarceration, we must critically examine the impact prison nurseries have on birthing people behind bars.