The Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Lord Timpson has commissioned the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman to carry out an independent investigation into the use of restraints on pregnant women in prison during pregnancy-related hospital escorts.
About the investigation
HMPPS policy requires that the use of restraints during pregnancy-related hospital escorts must be subject to risk assessment. In addition, restraints may only be used during a consultation in exceptional circumstances where the risk assessment has identified a particularly high risk of escape or a threat to anyone’s personal safety.
The PPO was asked to conduct this investigation in light of allegations that the policy governing the use of restraints on pregnant women during pregnancy-related hospital escorts was routinely breached at one or more women’s prisons.
The scope of the investigation covers 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025 and will look into:
1) Whether pregnancy-related hospital escorts were carried out in accordance with the policy in place at the time.
2) The nature and causes of any identified non-compliance.
3) Whether there is credible evidence that restraint took place in breach of the policy in place at the time in such a way as might amount to inhuman or degrading treatment, and in what circumstances.
4) Whether there is a credible basis for considering that restraint was used disproportionately in relation to Black and minority ethnic prisoners and, if so, to investigate further.
5) The changes that have been put in place since the issue was raised in February 2025 and any lessons the PPO considers have been learned.
6) Whether any further changes to policy, training and management arrangements would help prevent a recurrence of any identified non-compliance.
7) Whether there are any other lessons to be learned regarding use of restraints during pregnancy-related hospital escorts and implementation of the policy.
The public and private prisons in scope for this investigation are:
- HMP/YOI Bronzefield
- HMP/YOI Downview
- HMP/YOI Drake Hall
- HMP/YOI Eastwood Park
- HMP/YOI Foston Hall
- HMP/YOI Low Newton
- HMP/YOI New Hall
- HMP/YOI Peterborough
- HMP Send
- HMP/YOI Styal
The investigation covers the use of restraints on pregnant women during transport to and from hospital, while in hospital, and where deemed appropriate by the PPO, women who were immediately post-natal or post-pregnancy loss.
The PPO will publish a final written report of our findings on our website.