“No Babies in Prison?” - Norway’s Exception Explained

There are no babies in prison in Norway. Allowing babies to stay with their mothers in prison appears to support both women and their children. This article explains the value of the Norwegian exception thesis, despite its shortcomings in its lack of explanation about details. Legislation has been introduced in a country known for its maintenance of religious values, intrusive moral practice and control of populations who don’t conform. It is concerning that women in Norway could be subject to coercive medical practices which mean they are forced to make a decision whether to have an abortion or be detained involuntarily and with no recourse to a judicial review. The human rights framework is complex. The Bangkok Rules means there is clarity for the detention of pregnant women and babies. Within this framework there is scope for it to help detained pregnant women within healthcare ‘clinics’ in Norway.