Story perspectives

Bill bans restraints, mandates care after inmate pregnancy deaths

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced the act, which orders the National Institute of Corrections to train facilities, bans restraints on pregnant inmates, and mandates diet, vitamins and bedding.
A Bloomberg Law/NBC News investigation recorded 54 women reporting miscarriages, stillbirths, two deaths, six newborn deaths, and settlements from $200,000 to millions.
States have acted with Pennsylvania’s Pregnancy and Pretrial Justice Act, Virginia’s release and lactation rules, and Texas’s maternal-health jail report.

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Story summary

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced the act, which orders the National Institute of Corrections to train facilities, bans restraints on pregnant inmates, and mandates diet, vitamins and bedding.
A Bloomberg Law/NBC News investigation recorded 54 women reporting miscarriages, stillbirths, two deaths, six newborn deaths, and settlements from $200,000 to millions.
States have acted with Pennsylvania’s Pregnancy and Pretrial Justice Act, Virginia’s release and lactation rules, and Texas’s maternal-health jail report.