معرفی
Laura Abbott is an Associate Professor in the Research Department of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire, affiliated with the Centre for Applied Clinical, Health and Care Research (CACHE) and the School of Health and Social Work. Her research focuses on pregnancy and early parenthood in criminal justice settings, qualitative research methods, and ethnography. She holds a Doctorate (DHRes) from the University of Hertfordshire and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Midwives.
Key roles include External Examiner at the University of Manchester, Peer Reviewer for academic journals, and volunteer with Birth Companions. Her educational background includes an MSc in Health (2007) and a DHRes (2018).
Research interests emphasize incarcerated mothers' experiences, institutional neglect during pregnancy, and systemic barriers to maternal healthcare. Notable projects include the ESRC-funded Lost Mothers Project, exploring enforced separation of newborns from imprisoned mothers, and studies on dietary needs and breastfeeding in prisons.
Awards include the Jean Davis Award from the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust and Royal College of Midwives. Her work bridges academic research with policy advocacy, aiming to reform criminal justice and healthcare systems.
Teaching specialties include complex social issues in maternity care and maternal mental health, with expertise in mentoring PhD and Master’s students.
