Perinatal Incarceration and Loss (PERIL)

The United States has exceedingly high rates of both maternal mortality and incarceration, phenomena which are both also marked by racial disparities. Yet prior research has not explored how incarceration during the perinatal period affects maternal mortality. Moreover, we know little about the impact of maternal incarceration on the incidence of fetal and infant death. This study will provide the first population-based estimates of incidence, causes, and disparities in pregnancy-associated death, stillbirth, and infant mortality among people who were incarcerated during pregnancy and/or up to one year postpartum. We will do this by conducting a data linkage analysis between prison admission/release records and state vital records across three states. The PERIL study will also examine gaps and opportunities in how public health and carceral health agencies address risk factors for preventable infant and maternal mortality, by conducting qualitative interviews with professionals in carceral health and child welfare, and of review committee members for maternal and fetal/infant mortality. Together, results from these three aims will identify modifiable risk factors for maternal and infant death among incarcerated people and inform clinical and policy interventions to improve maternal and infant health and advance equity.  

Funded by: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1R01HD117944-01)