BETWEEN BARS AND CARE: EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES OF MOTHERHOOD IN THE FEMALE PRISON SYSTEM

Abstract

This study sought to understand motherhood in the context of female incarceration. The research adopts the principles of Psychology as its methodology, aiming to analyze articles that address the theme of motherhood in the prison system. It is characterized as a literature review, of a qualitative and descriptive nature, conducted using the Virtual Health Library and Google Scholar databases. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese, developed with a Brazilian population and directly addressing motherhood in prison were included. The results show that the experience of motherhood in prison is marked by psychological suffering, weakening of family ties, lack of institutional support, and unsanitary conditions that compromise the health of women and the development of children. It is also observed that early separation between mother and child appears as one of the main factors of emotional distress. It is concluded that, despite the existence of legislation and public policies aimed at protecting incarcerated women and their children, the reality of Brazilian prisons remains marked by negligence, vulnerability, and insufficient comprehensive assistance. Therefore, the need to strengthen public policies and promote humane practices aimed at guaranteeing the rights of this population is highlighted.