Pregnant Women in Custody Act

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act establishes new standards for care of pregnant women in correctional facilities across federal, state, tribal, and local systems. It prohibits using restrictive housing for pregnant women from confirmed pregnancy through 12 weeks after delivery (with limited exceptions), requires facilities to provide comprehensive healthcare services including prenatal and postpartum care, and mandates data collection about the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women. The bill also requires staff training on proper treatment, establishes protocols for unexpected childbirth, and mandates transfer of women with high-risk pregnancies to facilities with appropriate medical care. These provisions aim to improve health outcomes for both mothers and infants by addressing gaps in care for incarcerated pregnant women.