Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Menopausal Women in the Prison Estate

Wednesday 8 June 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions on support for menopausal women in the prison estate are ongoing with NHS England.
  • The Secretary of State for Justice is part of the taskforce addressing this issue.
  • Female prisoners over 40 account for 39% and those aged 30 to 39 for 38% of the prison population.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Justice & Courts NHS
Context

Recent discussions on improving support for menopausal women in the prison system.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on access to support and treatment for menopausal women in the prison estate?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

I can reassure the hon. Lady that Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service is working with NHS England to improve the treatment and support available to women in the prison service, including menopausal women, as part of the national women's prison health and social care review.

Answered
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Q2 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Justice & Courts Mental Health
Context

Statistics showing that a significant percentage of female prisoners are in the age range affected by menopause, highlighting its impact on physical and mental health.

Question

The latest figures show that 39% of female prisoners are over 40, and a further 38% are aged between 30 and 39. Many of them will either be menopausal or perimenopausal already, or reach that stage during their sentence. As we know that menopause can have a significant impact on physical and mental health, including influencing behaviours, does the Minister agree that a menopause strategy within Her Majesty's prisons would be both productive and beneficial?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

I thank the co-chair of the menopause taskforce. We discussed this in our taskforce meeting yesterday, and we have agreed to invite Ministers from the Justice team to work on this issue. The Secretary of State for Justice is sitting beside me, and I am sure he has heard the hon. Lady's words.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific agreement or commitment regarding a menopause strategy within Her Majesty's prisons was not clearly stated.

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