New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Long reads
4 September 2008

Hidden lives, public voices

Broadcaster Esther Rantzen reads Morgan's story - part of our

By Staff Blogger

Janipher Maseko was separated from her two week old son by Immigration officials, in May 2007. The Black Women’s Rape Action Project successfully brought her treatment to light on the world stage, and they and Nursing Matters co-ordinated a global campaign to have her children returned, and her son back at the breast as quickly as possible.

International lactation consultants and paediatricians campaigned directly to 10 Downing Street, with Medical Justice taking a front role in organising support from the medical professions. An international alert was launched, with Baby Milk Action publicising the issues on their website. Janipher did manage to maintain her milk supply with the pump Morgan Gallagher brought to her and successfully re-established exclusive breastfeeding with her son. They were released from Yarl’s Wood shortly after the children were returned and Janipher is still waiting for a final decision on her asylum claim.

An apology for the separation of a breastfeeding baby from its mother, was given in the House of Lords by Baroness Scotland. Janipher and the children continue to be supported by BWRAP and all the other individuals and agencies who fought so hard to have her children returned as quickly as possible.

Morgan Gallagher

BWRAP

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Nursing Matters

Medical Justice

Content from our partners
The Circular Economy: Green growth, jobs and resilience
Water security: is it a government priority?
Defend, deter, protect: the critical capabilities we rely on