Immigration: Detention of Pregnant Women

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Baroness Gardner of Parkes

Wednesday 25th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

There is a clear and unambiguous presumption against the detention of pregnant women.

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes (Con)]

Can the Minister assure us that these pregnant women will have adequate access to full medical care at any time that it is needed?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

It is intended that even before a pregnant woman is detained, her welfare will be taken into consideration. Consideration of her welfare will include the question of whether adequate facilities are available to that woman if she is detained. In the event of detention in an immigration centre such as Yarl’s Wood, there are adequate facilities to deal with pregnant women.