Jailed mothers in Colombia are receiving a second chance under a new law

Since the Public Utility law took effect, 216 women who are heads of households have been released to serve the remainder of their sentences in the community, but campaigners say uptake has been limited and post-release support is uneven.

More than 200 women have left prison under Colombia's Public Utility law, which aims to let some first-time female offenders who are heads of households serve the rest of their sentences in the community. The measure has reunited mothers with their families and brought public attention to the living conditions and needs of incarcerated women. Individual stories, including those of Jennifer Chaparro Pernet and Sandra Julieth Cantor, have highlighted both the relief of release and the practical challenges that follow. Advocates and former prisoners say more coordinated support is needed to sustain reintegration. Key facts: - Since the law came into force, 216 women have been released under the Public Utility law. - The law allows first-time female offenders who are heads of households with caring responsibilities to apply to serve remaining sentences in the community. - About 6,000 women are in prison in Colombia, and roughly half are serving sentences for drug offences. - Freed women are required to complete at least 20 hours a week of voluntary service and to report to a judge regularly. - Campaigners report lower-than-expected take-up, uneven judicial interpretation of the law, and limited official data on applications. Summary: The releases have reunited some mothers with their families and have drawn attention to poverty, sentencing disparities and prison conditions. Advocates and organisations involved in rehabilitation urge better coordination between ministries and expanded post-release services to support long-term reintegration, and the steps ahead remain undetermined at this time.