MOTHERHOOD IN BARS: THE STRUGGLE OF PREGNANT INMATES AND THEIR CUSTODY OF THEIR NEWBORN CHILD IN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN.

Abstract

The Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, was established in 1976 to serve as a rehabilitation center for female offenders. However, CIW faces challenges such as overcrowding, leading to inadequate housing conditions for inmates. Additionally, the facility struggles to provide proper healthcare services, particularly prenatal care for pregnant inmates. The shortage of resources and facilities further hampers rehabilitation efforts, raising persistent concerns about the well-being of the inmates. This study aims to investigate the challenges faced by pregnant inmates and the circumstances surrounding the custody of their newborns at the Correctional Institution for Women. The respondents are categorized into two groups: (1) 20 CIW officers and (2) 20 pregnant inmates, for a total of 40 participants. According to the data gathered, most respondents were between the ages of 26 and 33. Among the pregnant inmates, the most common crime committed was under R.A. 9165, and the majority of them were incarcerated under prisión correccional. The primary risk identified by the respondents for pregnant inmates during their sentence at the Correctional Institution for Women was that "pregnant inmates may face difficulties in maintaining a bond with their newborn due to custody issues." Both pregnant inmates and CIW officers disagreed regarding the struggles of pregnant inmates concerning prenatal care, nutrition, and mental health. The most widely proposed measure from the total population was that "the Correctional Institution for Women should implement measures to ensure the well-being of both pregnant inmates and their newborns." The researchers recommend the implementation of policies that focus on preserving the bond between pregnant inmates and their newborns, improving access to comprehensive prenatal care services within CIW, creating a specialized nutrition program for pregnant inmates, and offering both individual and group counseling to address the specific mental health needs of pregnant inmates.