Understanding the issue
To provide transformative solutions, we must first understand the problem, up close, in detail.
1 in 5 incarcerated women are pregnant or postpartum.
We know many community members have not considered what it means when someone enters prison pregnant. If a pregnant person is not released from custody before they give birth, they most often enter postpartum separated from their newborn. This prison birth experience creates a maternal and child health crisis that needs transformative solutions to address.
Even if you cannot enter a jail or prison as we do, you can use our resources to better understand the harm that prison birth creates. Begin with this 34-minute documentary, Tutwiler, that walks you through the story of a pregnant mom in prison in Alabama’s women’s prison. As you watch, ask yourself, “What if it was me?”
Hear their stories
The Prison Birth Storytelling Project shares some of the stories of our clients.
❊ Video Series
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 support helps sustain programs, advocacy, and education that create lasting change for families.
❊ Donate
Explore resources that illuminate the realities of incarceration and the possibilities for reform.
❊ Learn More
We welcome collaboration and conversation. Reach out to discuss strategic partnerships, speaking opportunities, or other ways to engage with our work.