US lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to ensure every federal prison housing women has a full-time obstetrician-gynaecologist. The proposed Ensuring OB-GYN Care in Prisons Act seeks to amend US law to guarantee access to specialized medical staff for female prisoners. Representatives Valerie Foushee, Yassamin Ansari, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove introduced the bill amidst concerns over the treatment of pregnant inmates and the lack of medical professionals in correctional facilities.
The legislation mandates that the Director of the Bureau of Prisons must employ at least one certified obstetrician-gynaecologist at each facility housing female prisoners. It also requires an initial visit with the obstetrician-gynaecologist within 14 days of a female prisoner’s imprisonment. The bill outlines essential medical services to be provided on-site, including menstrual health care, contraceptive counseling, prenatal care, postpartum care, and mental health screenings.
Furthermore, the bill establishes patient protections, ensuring female prisoners receive informed consent for any medical procedure, the right to refuse non-emergency care, and clear communication in their preferred language. To avoid delays, the legislation directs prison authorities to establish a referral process for outside specialists when necessary. It explicitly states that the Director cannot deny a prisoner care based on cost or staffing limitations.
Women, though a minority in prison populations, have distinct and resource-intensive medical needs. The bill’s focus on maternal health care in custody reflects a broader international concern. Civil society groups worldwide, including in India, emphasize the importance of monitoring maternal health in detention facilities, transcending national boundaries.
