Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, each year, an estimated 58,000 pregnant women pass through jails and prisons in the United States. H.R. 6878 would expand on existing programs within the Bureau of Prisons to provide certain health and wellness-related services for pregnant incarcerated women. This legislation will help these women receive necessary medical care, nutrition, and support while in Federal custody. In addition, H.R. 6878 builds upon President Trump's leadership in the First Step Act, which prohibited the use of restraints on pregnant women in Federal custody. H.R. 6878 would prohibit pregnant women in Federal custody from being placed in restrictive housing unless their behavior poses a serious and immediate risk of physical harm. It also would prohibit the use of solitary confinement for pregnant women in their third trimester. The bill also expands data reporting on the health needs of pregnant incarcerated women and requires guidelines for the treatment of incarcerated women during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. We all believe that pregnant incarcerated women should be well cared for while they are in Federal custody. However, I would like to note the concern that the bill could require the Bureau of Prisons to provide abortifacients to pregnant inmates.…”