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Restraint of pregnant women special investigation

For information on our special investigation into the use of restraints on pregnant women during pregnancy-related hospital escorts, click the link below.
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Update from Ombudsman Adrian Usher on investigation into use of restraints on pregnant women in prison

Published:

Since being officially commissioned to conduct this investigation, the Ministry of Justice have provided us with their data on pregnant women in prison who went to hospital appointments. My team is currently analysing this information to better understand the extent to which restraints were used and the circumstances in which this occurred.

We have issued communications to women in prison and to external stakeholders, and we continue to encourage women who have been released to come forward by completing our online form. The deadline for submissions is the 5 August 2026.

We have heard from some women in prison and have also heard from women affected that are no longer in prison. We plan to undertake visits to prisons in the coming months to meet with women.

I have decided not to contact released women directly due to safeguarding issues as approaching them without their consent could have a negative impact.

If you know of any women in prison that would like to contact us, they can do so by completing our contact form which is available through their Business Hub Manager. They may also speak to our investigators during prison visits conducted by our restraints team. Women outside of prison can contact us anonymously, or named, via the contact form or by leaving a message on our telephone number 020 7633 4100.

Adrian Usher

Prisons and Probation Ombudsman