We Can End The Harm Of Prison Birth

A Way Forward

To provide transformative solutions, we must first understand the problem, up close, in detail.

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?”

Start Exploring Solutions ▸

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

Partner With Us ▸

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

Research With Us ▸

We welcome collaboration and conversation. Reach out to discuss strategic partnerships, speaking opportunities, or other ways to engage with our work.

❊ Connect

Connect With Us ▸

❊ Research

Self-Study

Resources