A bill to ensure the humane treatment of pregnant women by reinstating the presumption of release and prohibiting shackling, restraining, and other inhumane treatment of pregnant detainees.

United States115th CongressS-3225Senate
Updated: Jul 17, 2018

Summary

Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from detaining a woman during pregnancy or postpartum recovery and must immediately release any detainee found to be pregnant, unless such woman presents an immediate and serious threat of hurting herself or others A DHS detention facility may not use a restraint on a detainee who is known to be pregnant, including during labor, transport to a medical facility or birthing center, and delivery, or during postpartum recovery, except for medical or safety purposes. The bill prohibits DHS detention officers from being present during a pelvic exam of a detainee, labor, delivery, or treatment relating to a pregnancy, unless specifically requested by medical personnel. If a detention officer is requested by medical personnel, such officer shall be female, if practicable, and remain at a reasonable distance from the detainee. The bill requires that a pregnant detainee shall have access to health care services, including comprehensive services relating to reproductive health care and pregnancy.

Bill texts

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Introduced (Senate)View official text

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Timeline

  1. Introduced in Senate

  2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

    Senate

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