Should Congress require improved living standards for incarcerated pregnant women?
This bill establishes protections in prison for incarcerated pregnant women. Pregnant women will be prohibited from solitary confinement punishments during their third trimester, they will receive more expansive physical and mental healthcare services while incarcerated, and be required to be immediately notified of their pregnancy while incarcerated. It will require the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to give annual reports on the claims of incarcerated pregnant women, and set education standards for employees of facilities that host incarcerated pregnant women,
Sponsor: Rep. Karen Bass (Democrat, California, District 37)
View full bill text ➔
How do you feel?
Oppose
Support
Opponents say
• At the time of research and publication, no official opponent statements were found. This does not necessarily mean that nobody opposes the bill, nor does it mean that statements won’t be made in the future.
Proponents say
• "Our prison system was not created with women in mind and as a result continually fails to provide basic necessities to tens of thousands of individuals who are incarcerated every single day. I’m proud to be introducing this bipartisan bill to make sure that we are mindful and responsible for the health and wellness of pregnant women in prison. That means an appropriate diet, it means access to appropriate medical assistance, and it certainly means stopping the shackling of pregnant inmates. The Pregnant Women in Custody Act will safeguard incarcerated pregnant and postpartum women, and their children, by guaranteeing access to prenatal care and post-delivery support." Source: Rep. Karen Bass (Democrat, California, District 37)
• "This bill will institute a nationwide healthcare standard for pregnant people, fetusus, and newborns. Examples of new standards include limiting restrictive housing, and providing nutrition and physical/mental health education and support, modified recreation opportunities, and access to reproductive healthcare. Training and technical assistance will be provided to states and local prisons to ensure they can comply with standards around restraints and restrictive housing. Incentives will be given to states who meet or exceed standards of care for pregnant people." Source: Partners for our Children
• "It’s critical that we provide pregnant women in custody with the prenatal and postpartum care they need. By instituting federal standards for the treatment of pregnant women and ensuring they have reliable access to medical care and appropriate nutrition, our bipartisan legislation will improve the health and safety of these women and their babies." Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, Minnesota)
