Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. RESCHENTHALER.

Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act will improve care and outcomes for pregnant women in prison as well as for their children.

I was proud to introduce this important legislation with Representatives Bass, Lesko, and Clark. I just want to say that Chairwoman Bass was incredible to work with. In particular, we did one virtual meeting, which consisted of tear-jerking stories that really addressed the need for change in this area.

Mr. Speaker, women are the fastest growing population in Federal prisons, yet the system was designed with just men in mind.

In 2018, Congress and President Trump took action to address these inequities with the FIRST STEP Act. H.R. 7718 will build upon that critical work by addressing the unique healthcare needs of incarcerated women who are pregnant, as well as those of their babies, which will ensure positive outcomes for their families.

H.R. 7718 establishes minimum standards of care for pregnant women, unborn children, and newborns in Federal custody. Further, the bill limits the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women and postpartum prisoners.

By providing incarcerated women with access to pregnancy-related healthcare and services, we can ensure better outcomes for mothers and babies.

Again, I want to thank Chairwoman Bass, Representative Lesko, and Representative Clark for working with me on this important piece of legislation.

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Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 7718, the Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act.

Again, I reiterate that it was an absolute honor to work with Chairwoman Bass on this important piece of legislation.

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