'The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health' has published a compelling Viewpoint led by Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, entitled “Care of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Contact with the Criminal Legal System: the Need for Global Reform."
The article will also be highlighted in The Lancet’s exclusive weekly editorial briefing sent to priority journalists worldwide — underscoring its urgency and global relevance.
Significant reform needed
Co-authored by Barbara Frey, Julie Matonich, Professor Nancy Loucks, Professor Des Crowley, Professor Ivan Calder, Stuti Shah, Hamed Farmand, Dr Smita Dharmamer, and Alexa Johnson-Gomez, the Viewpoint advocates for sweeping reform in how pregnant and breastfeeding women are treated within criminal legal systems globally.
“This publication represents a critical call to action,” said Professor Van Hout. “Across the world, women in contact with the criminal legal system face systemic neglect, poor maternal healthcare, and violations of basic human rights. This article brings together global voices and expertise to propose an urgent, evidence-informed framework for reform.”
Advancing health equity for women, girls, and gender-diverse people
Drawing from international research, legal analysis, and on-the-ground experience, the authors emphasise the need for rights-based, gender-responsive approaches in prisons and detention facilities, including alternatives to incarceration, access to reproductive and maternal healthcare, and child-centred sentencing practices.
The article will be featured in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, a new specialty journal from The Lancet dedicated to advancing health equity for women, girls, and gender-diverse people across the life course.
About Professor Marie Claire Van Hout
Professor Van Hout is an internationally recognised leader in public health, prison health, and human rights. With extensive experience advising global organisations, her research focuses on the intersections of health, justice, and gender. She currently serves as Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at South East Technological University.
