Ep 5. USA: Mothers Behind Bars

In the fifth episode of Woman season 1, titled "USA: Mothers Behind Bars," the show delves into the world of incarcerated mothers in the United States. The episode explores the devastating effects that mass incarceration has on families, particularly those with children.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a number of women who have been separated from their children due to their incarceration. We hear their stories of how they ended up in prison, the impact it has had on their lives and their relationships with their children, and their hopes for the future.

One woman, for example, tells the harrowing story of how she was arrested and sent to jail while pregnant. She gave birth while in custody and was only allowed to spend a brief amount of time with her newborn before being taken back to her cell. She describes the heartbreak of being separated from her child and the challenges she faces in maintaining a relationship with him while behind bars.

Another woman talks about the difficulties of raising her children from prison. She describes the restrictions placed on her visits with her children, the limited resources available to her, and the toll that being incarcerated has taken on her mental health. Despite this, she remains determined to be there for her children and to stay positive and hopeful about the future.

The episode also takes a closer look at the broader societal issues that have contributed to the mass incarceration of women in the United States. Viewers learn about the disproportionately high number of women who are incarcerated due to non-violent drug offenses, and how mandatory minimum sentencing laws have contributed to this problem.

We also hear from experts in the field of criminal justice, who share their insights into the factors that have led to the current state of the American prison system. One expert talks about the "war on drugs" and how it has targeted minority communities, while another discusses the need for more resources to support families affected by incarceration.

Overall, "USA: Mothers Behind Bars" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Woman that sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of the criminal justice system. It provides a glimpse into the lives of women who have been torn away from their families, their struggles, and their resilience in the face of adversity. The episode asks important questions about how we can reform the criminal justice system to better support families and communities, and serves as a call to action for viewers to get involved and advocate for change.