The Marshall Project

Why Mothers Are the Unsung Heroes of Prison

“I’ve seen disasters averted, even a gang war set aside because of these simple words: 'What would your mother think?'”

Every day, come rain, sleet or snow, worried mothers flood prison visiting rooms across our great nation.

They sacrifice their time and hard-earned money to see their “babies” who have somehow ended up on the wrong side of the law.

These unsung heroes hold our prisons together, though the authorities, who search them before every visit, may think otherwise. I’ve seen disasters averted, assaults stopped, even a gang war set aside because another inmate said these five simple words: “What would your mother think?”

Life Inside Perspectives from those who work and live in the criminal justice system. Related Stories

In here, oftentimes, . She sends us encouraging cards, much-needed food and warm clothing. She picks up our

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