Resources
Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS)
CAEFS is an association of self-governing, community-based Elizabeth Fry Societies that work with and for women and girls in the justice system, particularly those who are, or may be, criminalized. Together, Elizabeth Fry Societies develop and advocate the beliefs, principles and positions that guide CAEFS. The association exists to ensure substantive equality in the delivery and development of services and programs through public education, research, legislative and administrative reform, regionally, nationally and internationally.
- Email: admin@caefs.ca
- Website: caefs.ca
- Human Rights in Action Handbooks (For People in Federal Prisons and Provincial Jails): https://caefs.ca/news-campaigns/publications-and-resources/human-rights-in-action-handbooks/
Reproductive Justice
Selected resources were added here from a comprehensive list from the Wellness Within website. For further details, please refer to their website.
- Accessing Abortion in Canada: Abortion in Canada is completely decriminalized, it is healthcare. It is publicly funded. Access depends on where you live and who is trained to provide care in your area. Abortion is normal. common and safe. This resource provides contact information for providers across the country.
- Bonding Through Bars: New guidelines for mother-child prison units put interests of child first – Dr. Ruth Martin at the Peter Wall Institute, UBC: “Dr. Ruth Martin says babies have the right to stay in prison and the Supreme Court of British Columbia agrees with her. While the thought of babies behind bars is shocking to many, research shows it’s a far better alternative to separation and foster care.”
- Breastfeeding and Criminalized Women: A factsheet created by Wellness Within
- Decolonizing Indigenous birth work and reproductive health | CGSHE Spotlight Series. For Indigenous women, childbirth has been a site of ongoing colonization. Miranda Kelly, Director of Indigenous Women & Family Health for Vancouver Coastal Health – Aboriginal Health shares her reflections and lessons learned from her experiences as a mother and doula.
- Impact of Maternal Incarceration on Family Relationships. The authors interviewed and conducted focus groups with former and currently incarcerated mothers. Three key themes emerged: maintaining connection, broken bonds, the damage.
- Information for Federal Prisoners in British Columbia: This booklet tells you how to apply to have your baby or child with you while in federal custody and other ways that you can bond with your child.
- Peer doula support training for Black and Indigenous groups in Nova Scotia, Canada: A community-based qualitative study. Exploring participant experiences of doula training programs offered by a prisoner health advocacy organization and Indigenous and Black community groups.