England and Wales implement new sentencing guidelines considering pregnant women's impact on their children.

New guidelines in England and Wales will make it less likely for pregnant women to be sent to prison. The Sentencing Council's guidance requires courts to consider the impact of prison time on pregnant women and their children, coming into force on 1 April. The Council suggests that when sentencing pregnant or postnatal women, the medical needs of the offender, her mental health, and the effect of the sentence on the child should be considered.

March 18, 2024
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