Police investigating after foetus found in Dillwynia Correctional Centre yard

Investigations are under way after a preterm foetus was discovered in the yard at a women’s prison in NSW.

Police were called to Dillwynia Correctional Centre on Friday after a preterm foetus was discovered in the yard. Picture: Tim Hunter

Investigations are under way after a preterm foetus was discovered in the yard at a women’s prison in NSW.

Police were called to Dillwynia Correctional Centre on Friday morning, after a plastic bag containing “evidence of an early preterm miscarriage” was found in an outdoor communal area.

It is not clear who found the bag, or how long it had been there.

In a statement, Corrective Services NSW said nurses and midwives from Justice Health and the Forensic Mental Health Network checked female inmates with known pregnancies and “all are confirmed healthy and well”.

However, the woman at the centre of the mystery is yet to be identified.

“All women at the centre have been offered medical assistance if required,” the statement read.

“Corrective Services NSW and Justice Health are working closely to identify the woman involved as soon as possible to ensure her safety and wellbeing.”

It’s understood all women sent to a NSW prison undergo a pregnancy test during their first seven days in custody, and again at the 28-day mark.

However, the second test is not compulsory. Health staff are notified of any pregnancies.

Once a woman reaches the 20-week mark, they are transferred to Silverwater, where they are under the care of Justice Health midwives.

Every year, an average of just over 100 pregnant women enter the state’s prison system.

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