Stillbirth, miscarriage and acute psychosis are among the problems experienced by pregnant women held in Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre (G2, 4 March). Many of the pregnant women that the charity Medical Justice has assisted there said they received inadequate healthcare. One said she complained about abdominal pains for three weeks before she was sent to A&E, where she miscarried with two guards in attendance. She attempted suicide and was admitted to a psychiatric ward.
Earlier this month Channel 4 News undercover footage captured unacceptable treatment of pregnant women at Yarl’s Wood on camera. The next day a cross-party group of MPs called for an end to the detention of pregnant women, a recommendation made previously by over 300 organisations, including the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Other than a hallmark of an uncivilised society, nothing would be lost by ending the detention of pregnant women; of the 21 pregnant detainees that Medical Justice saw over a 10-month period, including one held for 122 days, one left the UK voluntarily and the rest were eventually released into the community.
The detention of pregnant women is callous and damaging. It still can and should be ended now. It is a litmus test for common decency.
Richard Fuller MP
Professor Cathy Warwick Chief executive, Royal College of Midwives
Dr David Richmond President, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Emma Mlotshwa Medical Justice
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