Pregnant Women in Custody Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act aims to improve healthcare and support for incarcerated women who are pregnant or giving birth. It mandates data collection on these women’s health needs within federal correctional facilities, including Bureau of Prisons, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Office of Refugee Resettlement facilities. The bill also establishes requirements for nursery services, family unity, and prohibits the use of restrictive housing and restraints during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. Finally, it mandates training for correctional staff and requires a study of services provided in state and local correctional settings.
Key provisions
- Requires data collection on the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women.
- Establishes standards for nursery and residential services for incarcerated mothers and infants.
- Prohibits the use of restrictive housing and restraints during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.
- Mandates training for correctional officers and marshals on the treatment of incarcerated pregnant women.
- Requires facilities to provide access to contraception and pregnancy testing.
- Establishes a minimum bonding time between mothers and newborns.
- Requires facilities to provide education and support services to pregnant incarcerated women.
- Directs the GAO to conduct a study on services provided to pregnant incarcerated women in state and local correctional settings.
Who is affected
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