Hysteria1983

What do you guys and gals think?

Sure, it's nice that they get to keep their babies, as a mother I would want nothing more.

However, it must cost a lot of money to allow these women to bring the babies up in prison. Clothes, bedding, food, toys etc.
Bed and board for two, and some of these ladies will probably get a much netter chance at being a good parent in prison.

I feel sorry for the babies though, spending their first years of life in prison.

super_ted

iTrader: (30)

Was just having the same convo with the better half, weird situation to be in i guess???
Do the crime, pay the time but yes, feel sorry for the baby's.

Hysteria1983

Back on again tonight at 9.00 itv1.

Interesting stuff.

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Hmm, not sure. Costs more to have them in prison, compared to a "normal" person. But what is the alternative? Have them in social services, which will probably cost them more. Maybe, just maybe its a good idea...but I dunno.

Snipping off their ovaries before they got pregnant would be the better idea. Maybe compulsory sterilisation would be the way forward for anyone going to prison...male or famale.

Leslie

All things being equal, a baby will be better off with its own mother. The baby's initial experience of life is very important, it is natural for it to be with its own mother, even if it is in prison. The baby's surroundings would be important of course and that should be considered and acted upon.

Les

Hysteria1983

I think part of it is to stop them re offending.
With them keeping the baby with them and being responsible for their care I think there is less chance of them going back to the things they came from... Drugs, violence, prostitution etc.

In the cases where the babies are taken away and cared for by someone else, there is probably a much bigger chance that they will carry on as they did before they went to prison.

Leslie

Yes I agree with that too.

Les

Clarebabes

Well, as the mum to an adopted child who would have had a terrible life with his first mum, I say adopt them out!

I do feel sorry for them though. In the states sentences are so harsh compared to here. I reckon half of those women would have got a caution here.