Number of incarcerated women giving birth in custody and care arrangements for their newborns

Question:

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many incarcerated women have given birth while in custody in each of the past five years; (b) whether an incarcerated woman's spouse is permitted to accompany her during labour and delivery subject to appropriate security arrangements; (c) if not, why; and (d) what are the options for care arrangements for the newborn child.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. From 2021 to 2025, an average of 13 women inmates gave birth while in custody per year.

2. The treatment protocol for pregnant inmates is in line with practices of our public healthcare institutions. When the inmate is about to give birth, she will be escorted to KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) for the delivery. While the spouse is not permitted to accompany the inmate due to security reasons, he will be notified of the birth as soon as practical. Visits can be facilitated after the inmate is transferred to the secure ward in KKH, subject to the hospital’s visit policy.

3. As the prison is not a conducive environment for raising a child, care arrangements for the newborn baby will be made, in close consultation with the inmate and her family. Prisons will also work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development to make childcare arrangements for the baby in the community if needed.

4. In cases where there are no other alternate caregiving options, the baby will be allowed to stay together with the mother in prison. For such cases, special provisions are made for the baby, including warm water for bathing, clothes, diapers, milk and other age-appropriate food. The mother and baby will also have access to appropriate medical care.