Project 450139

Indigenous womxn now account for 41.4% of all federally incarcerated womxn in Canada (OCI, 2019). Many incarcerated womxn are mothers, however prison pregnancy, and reproductive health statistics and health indicators are currently unavailable. In addition, previous public health research on maternity experiences has excluded incarcerated Indigenous womxn (Leason, 2017; PHAC, 2009). Given the over-incarceration of Indigenous womxn, the exclusion and limited research, this research aims to explore the current state of incarcerated womxns sexual, reproductive and maternal child health. Through interdisciplinary, Indigenous, and mixed methods research, this research will examine the available Correctional Service of Canada's Indigenous sexual, reproductive, and maternal child health data. To compliment this data and fill in the gaps, we will hold arts-based workshops with incarcerated womxn at 5 federal prisons and one Healing Lodge to gather their sexual, reproductive, and maternal child health experiences, needs and gaps prior to or during incarceration. This research will generate new knowledge and provide evidence to inform advocacy, policy, and action-oriented programming to improve the health and wellbeing of incarcerated Indigenous womxn.