Louise Brangan, The Politics of Punishment: A comparative study of imprisonment and political culture

Abstract

who cause the deaths of their foetuses or newborns?’ Milne provides some suggestions, for example, the removal of concealment of birth from the statute books and the decriminalisation of abortion. Untouched upon in the text, yet raised in my mind, was how should acts carried out by a pregnant woman, which result in the death of her foetus or newborn, be punished – if at all? Such a knotty question extends beyond socio-legal thought and is imbued with bioethical overtones pertaining to the moral status and personhood of the foetus and newborn. In short, whilst the book’s subject area may appear niche, it is situated within a much broader and timely discussion on women’s reproductive rights. It contributes to a sociological understanding of ‘good’ mother ideals and how these social norms impact real women’s lives. Ultimately, this is a feminist text and Milne is clearly advocating for improved social structures and better judicial understanding regarding crisis pregnancies. However, as she concedes, a general reordering of patriarchal society is not going to happen any time soon. Until then, Milne’s text serves to illuminate a dark corner of society in which tragedy, sexism, vulnerability and criminalisation collide.