Advocacy and Education
At Ostara Initiative, our advocacy and education work is rooted in a single belief: every person deserves dignity, autonomy, and compassionate care during pregnancy and birth—no matter their circumstances.
We work to transform systems, shift narratives, and equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate pregnancy, birth, and parenting while impacted by incarceration.
Transforming Systems Through Advocacy
We advocate for policies and practices that protect the rights, health, and dignity of pregnant and postpartum people in carceral settings.
Our advocacy efforts focus on:
Ending harmful practices like shackling during pregnancy and childbirth
Expanding access to doula support in correctional facilities
Improving standards of care for pregnant and postpartum individuals
State and Federal Policy
Through partnerships, organizing, and direct engagement, we have contributed to meaningful policy changes in how institutions approach pregnancy and birth behind bars.
Our work has helped:
Increase awareness of the unique challenges faced by incarcerated pregnant people
Support the implementation of doula programs in carceral settings
Influence policies that center health, safety, and human dignity
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In 2015, Minnesota passed anti-shackling legislation. As a result, incarcerated women cannot be restrained during pregnancy and in the post-partum period, with the rare exceptions.
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Prison Birth Simulation
Our Prison Birth Simulation is a powerful, immersive educational experience designed to help participants understand the realities of giving birth while incarcerated.
Through guided, experiential learning, participants gain insight into:
The physical and emotional challenges of prison birth
Institutional constraints and their impact on care
The critical role of advocacy and support
This program is offered to healthcare providers, students, policymakers, and community organizations seeking to deepen their understanding and drive change.
Education for Pregnant People
We provide accessible, empowering education for pregnant and parenting people impacted by incarceration.
Our approach centers:
Clear, practical information about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery
Emotional support and preparation for childbirth
Tools to help individuals advocate for themselves within restrictive systems
We believe knowledge is a form of power—and everyone deserves access to it.
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Our Pregnancy Resource Guide offers essential, easy-to-understand information tailored to the needs of people navigating pregnancy in carceral environments.
The guide includes:
What to expect during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
Patient rights and advocacy tips
Guidance on health, nutrition, and recovery
Resources for staying informed and supported
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The Pregnancy & Beyond Curriculum Book is a comprehensive educational resource designed to support learning in both individual and group settings.
This curriculum:
Covers pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early parenting
Is designed for use in carceral facilities and community programs
Centers dignity, informed choice, and trauma-informed care
It serves as a foundational tool for education, empowerment, and connection.
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Ostara Initiative helped create a Sesame Street episode about incarceration. Alex copes with a family member’s incarceration.
A caring adult’s love and support can help children cope with the absence of an incarcerated family member.
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The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 is a Federal law that governs the removal and out-of-home placement of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and youth. The law was enacted after the Federal Government recognized that AI/AN children and youth were being removed from their homes and communities at a severely disproportionate rate compared to non-AI/AN children and youth. Learn more.
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A helpful guide to writing a letter to your judge about your experiences as a postpartum incarcerated mom. Download.
Ostara Peer-Reviewed Publications
Our work is grounded in both evidence and lived experience. Ostara Initiative engages in peer-reviewed research to better understand and improve care for pregnant and parenting people impacted by incarceration.
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Shlafer, R. J., Gerrity, E., Norris, C., Freeman-Cook, R., & B Sufrin, C. (2022). Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act of 2021: Reflections and recommendations. Women's Health, 18, 17455057221093037.
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Howland, M. A., Kotlar, B., Davis, L., & Shlafer, R. J. (2021). Depressive symptoms among pregnant and postpartum women in prison. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 66(4), 494-502.
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Pendleton, V. E., Schmitgen, E. M., Davis, L., & Shlafer, R. J. (2021). Caregiving Arrangements and Caregiver Well-being when Infants are Born to Mothers in Prison. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 1-14.
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Shlafer, R., Davis, L., Hindt, L., & Pendleton, V. (2021). The benefits of doula support for women who are pregnant in prison and their newborns. In Children with Incarcerated Mothers (pp. 33-48). Springer, Cham.
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Shlafer, R., Saunders, J.B., Boraas, C. M., Kozhimannil, K. B., Mazumder, N., & Freese, R. Maternal and neonatal outcomes among incarcerated women who gave birth in custody. Birth. 2021; 48, 122–131.
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Pendleton, V., Saunders, J. B., & Shlafer, R. (2020). Corrections officers’ knowledge and perspectives of maternal and child health policies and programs for pregnant women in prison. Health & Justice, 8(1), 1.
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Shlafer, R., Hardman, R., Carlson, E. (2019). Reproductive justice for incarcerated mothers and advocacy for their infants and young children. Infant Mental Health, 40(5), 725-74.
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Shlafer, R., Davis, L., Hindt, L., Goshin, L., & Gerrity, E. (2018). Intention and Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Women Who Are Incarcerated. Nursing for Women’s Health, 22(1), 64-78.
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Shlafer, R., Stang, J., Dallaire, D., Forestell, C. A., & Hellerstedt, W. (2017). Best Practices for Nutrition Care of Pregnant Women in Prison. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 23(3), 297-304.
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Shlafer, R., Gerrity, E. & Duwe, G. (2015). Pregnancy and Parenting Support for Incarcerated Women: Lessons Learned. Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research Education and Action, 9(3), 371-378.
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Shlafer, R., Hellerstedt, W., Secor-Turner, M., Gerrity, E., & Baker, R. (2014). Doulas’ perspectives about providing support to incarcerated women: A feasibility study. Public Health Nursing, 32(4), 316–326.
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Join us in advancing dignity-centered care for pregnant and parenting people in prison. Your support helps sustain programs, advocacy, and education that create lasting change for families.
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Deepen your understanding of pregnancy and birth in prison. Explore data, stories, and studies that illuminate the realities of incarceration and the possibilities for reform.
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We welcome collaboration and conversation. Reach out to discuss strategic partnerships, speaking opportunities, or other ways to engage with our work.