People in Contact with the Legal System

Children by Choice believe that all people have the right to access reproductive health care and abortion care. If you are in contact with the legal system for example, in prison, on probation, or recently released, you still have the same rights to health care as anyone else. 

This includes the right to: 

• respectful, non-judgmental, and confidential health care 

• make your own decisions about your body and your pregnancy 

• access contraception, abortion, antenatal care and counselling 

• have your privacy respected 

You have the right to ask questions and to be part of all decisions about your care. 

Access to reproductive and pregnancy care can be harder for people in the legal system. 
Common challenges include: 

• limited access to contraception, pregnancy care or abortion services while in custody 

• delays in appointments or referrals 

• not being told about all pregnancy options 

• fear of being judged by staff or other people 

• feeling like your choices are not respected or taken seriously 

• not knowing what support is available after release 

Many women and pregnant people in custody also face stigma and shame when seeking help for pregnancy or reproductive health. 

Stigma and shame can make people feel unsafe when asking for care or information. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect no matter their circumstances.