Zonta International is a global organization of individuals dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. The Zonta USA Advocacy Action Center is a tool for our members in the United States and other individuals who share our commitment to gender equality to take action to improve the lives of women and girls. With your help, we can make a difference. In addition to the actions below, click here to support our joint efforts with UNICEF USA to end child marriage in the United States.
Incarcerated women who are pregnant face severe health disadvantages and possible risk to the newborn in prison. Restrictive housing and restraints are used on pregnant women and women in postpartum recovery. After the baby is born, the newborns are taken from the mothers without any support physically or emotionally from her until she has completed her sentence. This separation could happen for long periods of time as the mother does not have any guarantee or assistance towards an early release. These mothers are in need of appropriate services and programs to address health and safety needs and health care for a woman with a high-risk pregnancy.
Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) was joined by Representative Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) in introducing the bipartisan “Pregnant Women in Custody Act (H.R. 982).” This bill would put an end to the inhumane practice of shackling women during pregnancy and ensure that pregnant women receive quality care while incarcerated. This legislation is endorsed by the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, a resource and advocacy organization for public health.
“Everyone, no matter their race, geographical location, employment, or incarceration status deserves access to high quality healthcare, including pregnant women in custody,” Rep. Kamlager-Dove said. “We not only have a responsibility to ensure that these babies have a healthy start to life, but these women also have the right to critical healthcare and the right to not be subjected to cruel shackling and restrictive housing. I am proud that both sides of the aisle can come together to protect the health of newborns and support expectant mothers.”
“All life is precious, and so we must do what we can to support pregnant mothers,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “I am pleased to join Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove in introducing this important bipartisan legislation to better protect and address the needs of incarcerated pregnant women and their babies.”
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act (H.R. 982) would additionally require the Government Accountability Office to study the services and protections for pregnant incarcerated women in state and local correctional settings and authorizes grants for states, tribes, local governments, or nonprofits to promote the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women by providing obstetrical care, gynecological care, and related services.
Please use our pre-drafted letters to urge your representatives to co-sponsor and support the Pregnant Women in Custody Act. If they have already sponsored or co-sponsored the bill, you can send a message of thanks.