More than 100 Pregnant Women Detained in UK Removal Centres Since Major Review Called for Ban
In total 104 pregnant women were detained in immigration detention centres between July 2016 and June 2018. 20 of the women were also removed from the UK. A January 2016 Home Office report by Stephen Shaw called for the “presumptive exclusion” of pregnant women from detention centres to be replaced with an “absolute exclusion”. However, despite the report’s recommendations, the practice has continued.
Reports indicate that one woman miscarried in the Yarl’s Wood immigration detention centre and another was detained along with two men who were suspected to be infected with scabies. In response to this event, the regulations were changed in order for pregnant women to be detained for no longer than 72 hours. The 72 hours can be extended up to a full week, depending on whether or not the immigration authorities are able to secure a special dispensation.
Since the policy was implemented in 2016, the number of pregnant women who have been detained has decreased by almost a half. However, human rights lawyers claim that this is still unacceptable, that pregnant women should not be detained at all, and that the practice could be harmful to the physical and mental health both of them and their babies.
A Home Office representative stated: “Detention is used sparingly and we have a strong presumption in favour of liberty”.
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