State minister Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, who has been seeking to find ways to address the issue of pregnant women who give birth while incarcerated, has recommended the construction of a fully functioning nursery at the South Camp correctional facility.

This building, she said, should be completed within the next few months, noting that in addition the provision of guidance on proper parenting skills, counselling, and needed educational advancement will be a priority.

“These provisions, along with others, will seek to ensure better bonding between mother and child, create an atmosphere of hope, and change the mindset and potential negative social trajectory of the mothers. No matter what the circumstances, there is always the possibility of moulding a better society if we help to change the course of their choices.

‘Of course, there will be instances where some mothers exceed the initial six-month period, but provisions must be improved to keep the bonding period consistent. We all know that the best maternal care possible is important for the perfect and harmonious development of a child, and it works wonders for the positive mindset of the mother,” Cuthbert Flynn said in a statement.

According to Cuthbert Flynn, who serves as state minister in the Ministry of National Security, for decades in Jamaica, the issue of pregnant mothers being detained or incarcerated and subsequently giving birth has been given far less focus than desired.

“This needs to be addressed in a formal and most fitting way to find the best solutions for both new mothers and their newborn babies. The reality of women, especially teens, being sent to a correctional facility is meant to correct an act done by the mothers, but we cannot hold their young to ransom.

“We need to put measures in place to ensure that there is an opportunity for babies to remain with their mothers who are serving custodial sentences up to six months after delivery. My research has found that in the last five years, seven to 10 babies have been born to incarcerated mothers in Jamaica. These mothers are usually transported to a medical facility while in labour for delivery of their babies,” Cuthbert Flynn said in her statement.

She added: “Women account for less than 10 per cent of inmates in correctional facilities in Jamaica, but we anticipate a rise due to improved law enforcement, the increased use of technology and new laws with mandatory minimum sentencing. These effective measures will inadvertently lead to a possible increase in numbers of inmates, but the additional training and public education campaigns will seek to place positive messages and lessen the rate over time. Most of our incarcerated women are in their childbearing years, and several have entered into the correctional facilities already pregnant.”

She said that as the state minister in the Ministry of National Security, a part of her portfolio seeks to implement the Government’s policy of improved rehabilitation and reintegration for offenders with particular care for those who are considered the most vulnerable.

“It is a critical part of rehabilitation for mothers, to be able to bond with their child,” said Cuthbert Flynn as she argued that this bonding is in the best interest of the child.

“The ultimate aim is to ensure that the best option is provided for both the mother and child. We have examined several studies, including [one by] the
American Medical Association Journal, and they all show a common inextricable and causative link between separation of mother and newborn baby, leading to extreme emotional and behavioural issues later in life. In fact, the separation can create such a negative and traumatic impact while the mother is incarcerated, that bonding and responsible maternal care is lost and an even greater risk of recidivism is present.

“As a mother, and a legislator, I believe all women are deserving of a safe and nurturing environment space for their infants, no matter their status — incarcerated or not,” said the state minister.

She said she is looking forward to the implementation of the initiative and drive towards creating a more suitable environment for new mothers and their babies within our correctional facilities.

“I am also encouraged by the endless possibilities with our stakeholders and private partners who have and will certainly continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this area of rehabilitation. I would like to encourage families who have loved ones in our facilities to also play their part in helping to motivate and encourage our incarcerated mothers.

“It still takes a village to raise a child, especially when that child is born into less-than-ideal circumstances. I call on all Jamaicans on our shores and abroad to join in supporting this positive initiative. Let’s continue to ‘Liv Gud’ today for a brighter Jamaica tomorrow,” said Cuthbert Flynn.