PART 13

FEMALE PRISONERS

Pregnancy and confinement
127
1
Where the Governor receives notification from a healthcare professional or prison officer that a prisoner is pregnant the Governor must where possible, ask the prisoner if any relative, friend or other person should be informed.
2
Where the Governor receives notification from a healthcare professional or prison officer that a prisoner is likely to give birth prior to the expiration of her sentence or period of committal the Governor must, where possible, ask the prisoner if any relative or friend, or any other person, should be informed.
3
Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), where the prisoner wishes any relative, friend or other person to be informed of the prisoner’s pregnancy the Governor must inform any such person accordingly.
4
The Governor is not required to inform more than 2 persons.
5
The Governor must not inform any friend or relative of the prisoner without her consent.
6
A prisoner who is pregnant is required to undertake work throughout her pregnancy but may only undertake work which the Governor has deemed to be suitable for a pregnant woman to undertake.
7
A prisoner who is pregnant must be provided with food and drink which take into account any dietary requirements during pregnancy.
8
Where a prisoner who is pregnant requires to be contained in specified conditions in accordance with rule 41(1), as a result of her pregnancy or otherwise, she must be kept under supervision to such extent as is reasonably practicable or be required to share accommodation in a cell or room with a suitable prisoner where the Governor, on the advice of a healthcare professional, considers it appropriate.
9
The Governor must arrange for the transfer of the prisoner to a hospital outwith the prison for the purposes of giving birth upon receiving the advice of a healthcare professional on this matter.