We Can End The Harm Of Prison Birth
A Way Forward
Who We Are
We are a nonprofit organization that exists to collectively transform systems by reimagining justice, advancing health, and reclaiming dignity in our policies and practices for all pregnant and parenting families.
Our Goal is to End Prison Birth in America.
The Ostara Initiative is women-founded and women-led, and is leading the national conversation to end prison birth in America.
We search for solutions in the soil, seed, and roots of our communities, government, and institutions. Our work challenges the destructive tendencies of for-profit prisons and closes the chasm between the carceral state and community-based support.
❊ Explore The Vision
Vision For New Solutions
The free video series below is our shared, collaborative vision for innovation and authentic leadership at the intersection of health and justice for pregnant and parenting people. Watch below for what transformative solutions can look like with renewed vision for change. This project was created with the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Constellation Fund.
We Can Do Better
Erica Gerrity, LICSW, MSW
Executive Director
Ostara Initiative
Building Connection Through Milk
Chauntel Norris, CLC, LCCE
Manager of Advocacy, Forward Vision & Change, Program Director of the Alabama Prison Birth Project
Ostara Initiative
Twice Removed From My Namesake
Tommy Franklin
Writer, Artist, Filmmaker
Ostara Board Member
Prison Doulas Improve Outcomes
Raelene Baker
Certified Doula & Director
Federal Prison Doula Program
Ostara Initiative
Who Counts?
Rebecca Shlafer, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor
Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health
Department of Pediatrics
University of Minnesota
What I Lost And How This Helps
Josh Christofferson
Firefighter & EMT
Ostara Board Member
❊ Inspired?
Choose Your Next Step
Join us in advancing dignity-centered care for pregnant and parenting people in prison. Your partnership helps sustain programs, advocacy, and education that create lasting change for families.
❊ Partner
Deepen your understanding of pregnancy and birth in prison. Explore data, stories, and studies that illuminate the realities of incarceration and the possibilities for reform.
❊ Research
We welcome collaboration and conversation. Reach out to discuss strategic partnerships, speaking opportunities, or other ways to engage with our work.