Women make up approximately 4% of the prison population in England and Wales, but they face distinct challenges that the men's prison system does not fully address. If you are a woman facing custody, understanding the specific rules, facilities, and support available will help you prepare for what lies ahead.
Where Women Are Imprisoned
Women in England and Wales are held in one of fourteen women's prisons, plus a small number of women held in dedicated women's units within larger men's establishments. The main women's prisons include HMP Bronzefield, HMP Styal, HMP Downview, HMP Drake Hall, HMP East Sutton Park, HMP Foston Hall, HMP Low Newton, HMP New Hall, and HMP Send.
Unlike the men's system, there is no local women's prison in every region. This means women are often held far from home, making family visits difficult and expensive.
Mother and Baby Units
Some women's prisons have Mother and Baby Units (MBUs) where mothers can keep their babies with them. As of 2026, MBUs operate at HMP Styal, HMP East Sutton Park, HMP New Hall, and HMP Bronzefield.
To be accepted into an MBU, you must:
Applications are competitive and not all mothers are accepted. If you are refused, your baby will be cared for by family, foster carers, or social services.
Pregnancy and Birth in Prison
Pregnant prisoners receive antenatal care through the prison healthcare team, with referrals to outside hospitals for scans and delivery. You will give birth in an NHS hospital, usually under escort.
You are entitled to a birthing partner, though this may need to be a family member rather than a prison officer. Postnatal care continues in prison or, if you are in an MBU, alongside your baby.
Healthcare for Women
Women's prisons provide gynaecological care, cervical screening, contraception advice, and menopause support. Some have specialist mental health services for women, including trauma-informed counselling.
If you have a history of sexual violence, abuse, or domestic violence, tell the healthcare team during your induction. Many women's prisons have dedicated support for survivors.
Family Contact
Maintaining contact with children is a priority for most women in prison. Women's prisons generally offer:
The Assisted Prison Visits Scheme is particularly important for women, as many families struggle with the cost of travelling to the often remote women's prisons.
Safety and Vulnerability
Women in prison are more likely than men to have experienced trauma, abuse, or domestic violence. Self-harm rates among women prisoners are significantly higher than among men.
Women's prisons have safer custody teams trained to recognise and respond to self-harm and emotional distress. The Listeners scheme and Samaritans support are available in all women's prisons.
If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, tell a member of staff, a Listener, or the chaplaincy. Women's prisons are generally smaller and have higher staff-to-prisoner ratios than men's local prisons, which can mean better support.
Differences from Men's Prisons
Women's prisons differ from men's in several practical ways:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my baby with me in prison?
Only if you are accepted into a Mother and Baby Unit. Otherwise, your baby will be cared for outside prison.
Do women's prisons have the same rules as men's?
The Prison Rules apply equally, but women's prisons have different facilities, programmes, and staffing models.
Are there male staff in women's prisons?
Yes, though in smaller numbers. Male officers can work on women's wings but strip searches must be conducted by female officers.
Can my partner visit me if we are not married?
Yes. The same visiting rules apply regardless of marital status.
What if I am the primary carer for my children?
The court should consider the impact of imprisonment on dependent children. Some women receive suspended sentences or community orders for this reason. If you are sentenced to custody, social services will become involved in planning for your children's care.
*Last updated: June 2026.*