pregnant detainees – A new federal proposal would restrict restrictive housing and restraints for pregnant women in custody and require basic care standards.
A new federal bill would aim to keep pregnant women in prisons and jails from being subjected to restrictive housing and restraints, while requiring minimum standards of care in custody.
Introduced by Rep.. Ayanna Pressley Kamlager-Dove. the measure would also direct the National Institute of Corrections to provide education and technical assistance to state and local correctional facilities.. The goal is to train staff on the risks of placing pregnant people in restrictive settings and to review policies that govern pregnancy-related care.
In practical terms. the bill would outline what “basic care” should look like for people in federal custody. including provisions such as appropriate diet and vitamins. access to bedding and clothing. support services. and screening and treatment for dangerous risk factors. along with plans for handling serious complications.
The bill would also include guardrails limiting federal agencies’ ability. in most cases. to use restrictive housing or restraints on pregnant women.. Kamlager-Dove said the latest draft focuses on what corrections officials should do differently after allegations of mistreatment and neglect during pregnancy in immigration detention.
This kind of legislation matters because jail conditions can shape not only immediate safety, but also health outcomes that are difficult to undo once a pregnancy is already underway.
The proposal is now expected to be referred to House committees. It currently does not list any Republican co-sponsors, a factor that could shape whether it gains enough support to advance.
Support for similar reforms has been growing at the state level.. In Pennsylvania. lawmakers introduced a Pregnancy and Pretrial Justice Act that would restrict cash bail for pregnant pretrial detainees who are not facing capital offenses or life in prison. arguing that women should not remain in jail without healthcare simply because they cannot afford bail.
Meanwhile, other states have taken steps aimed at reducing harm during custody.. Virginia recently passed laws to make release easier through home electronic monitoring for pregnant women. to set lactation-related standards. and to require reporting of pregnancies.. Later this year. Texas is expected to release its first report on maternal health. pregnancy complications. and mortality rates in jails.
For advocates, the core issue is simple: pregnancy does not pause while someone is detained, and basic medical and humane treatment should not depend on whether a person can meet the conditions of pretrial release or avoid restrictive housing altogether.