On June 1st, we are encouraged to celebrate a globally recognized Day of Parents. Naturally, parents all over this world come from various walks of life and inevitably vary in the types of resources they can offer. The General Assembly of the UN states that parents are the key figures in their children’s lives and we should give gratitude for their commitment to nurture and care. But, do all parents get the opportunity to do their best? Don’t some encounter daily struggles or restrictions?

Nellie’s focus this year is on education and advocacy for women who have been criminalized; therefore, as we embrace the upcoming Day of Parents, let us not forget some of the issues faced by incarcerated women who have the challenging responsibility of parenthood while serving their sentence. How can these women be the parents they are expected to be? What about the moms who actually give birth while in prison?

Although not without controversy, Canada has recognized the need of a newborn to be with Mom even while she is in prison. A great example of this was the mother-baby program at Maple Ridge’s Alouette Correctional Centre for Women that opened in 2004. Based on the documented facts about this program, we can gather much information about the experiences of incarcerated mothers. Following are two tales of such Moms.

Noora was admitted to the B.C. Correctional Centre in 2005 during her third trimester. She gave birth in a prison that offered the mom-and baby-program. Even though this made some people uncomfortable, it was often called the “jewel in the women’s correctional system”. Noora was able to breast feed, bond and make her baby feel safe. She spent quality time encouraging her baby’s positive development. Noora continued to serve her sentence as expected.

The program ran in partnership with the Ministry for Children and Family Development, B.C. Women’s Hospital, while facilitated by health research and community support professionals. This program ensured many beneficial impacts to the mom and the baby including better health and self-efficacy. It ensured that moms were better prepared for parenthood, more likely to be positive influences in society when released and less likely to turn to substance use triggered by negative emotions.

Arnaude became a mother in the same prison after the mom-and baby-program was cancelled in 2008. Although most have experienced abuse, neglect, addictions and isolation, women like Arnaude have shared that sitting in a prison post-partum without their babies creates suffering worse than any other. By being taken away from her mom after birth, Arnaude’s baby daughter faced many risks, including isolation, emotional distress, self-esteem and behavioral issues. These children often experience residential disruptions, foster care or periods of time spent with various caretakers.

After four years in operation and without appropriate evaluation, the mother-baby program at Maple Ridge’s Alouette Correctional Centre was cancelled. This closure was eventually challenged in B.C. Supreme Court, and brought forward by former Maple Ridge inmates. They argued the closure to be a violation under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Although this issue might strike many as a subject best to be avoided and possibly raises too many questions, we must remember that creating equal opportunities is not always a simple task. We are all responsible to ensure that vulnerable parents and children are not excluded and have equitable access to health, educational opportunities and other resources that we all have access to.

Now to the good news… In late 2013, B.C. Supreme Court ruled that Imprisoned mothers do in fact have the constitutional right to care for their newborn babies. B.C. Corrections has 6 months to comply with the ruling.