Maternal health outcomes for incarcerated women: A scoping review

Abstract

Aims and objectives To inform a systematic synthesis of what is known about the maternal health outcomes of incarcerated women, this scoping review uses a theoretical framework of intersectional feminism. Background Despite rising imprisonment of women, there is a lack of research, from a feminist perspective, on perinatal health outcomes among incarcerated women. Design Systematic scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. Methods In consultation with a medical research librarian, key databases and journals were searched for English and French-language articles published up to February 2018. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts to identify articles for full-text review. Study quality was appraised using the McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The study adheres to PRISMA-EQUATOR guidelines. Results Forty-five studies met the preset criteria and were reviewed in full text. In addition, 13 studies met consensus for inclusion. Method, setting, participants, sample, relevant outcomes and relevant findings were extracted from each study for synthesis. Included studies had varied methods and were published from 1989–2014. Participants included women imprisoned during the perinatal period up to six months postpartum. All studies were conducted in carceral contexts, with 12 based in the USA and one in Australia. Outcomes of interest included breastfeeding, operative deliveries, gestational complications, depression, stress, experiences, bonding and sterilisation. Conclusion The research on maternal health outcomes pertaining to incarcerated women is limited. There is a need for in-depth examination of breastfeeding with this population. Researchers need to examine the prevalence and impact of carceral force, such as shackling, solitary confinement, strip-searching and restraints in pregnancy. There is a need for research that asks what health outcomes matter to the women themselves. Relevance to clinical practice Providers must be conscious of intersecting layers of discrimination and trauma incarcerated women experience and its impact on maternal health in the perinatal period and advocate for women.