Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act

Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act

This bill establishes new requirements related to grants, programs, and reports to improve the treatment and care of pregnant and postpartum women who are incarcerated.

Specifically, the bill requires the following:

• states must restrict the use of restraints on pregnant women in prison in order to receive full funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program;
• the Bureau of Prisons must establish programs to optimize maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women in federal prisons;
• the Bureau of Justice Assistance must award state grants for programs to support pregnant and postpartum women in state and local prisons and jails; and
• the Government Accountability Office must report on adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among incarcerated individuals and infants born to such individuals, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities.

The Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 3344, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the unique challenges faced by incarcerated mothers in the criminal justice system.

The bill aims to improve conditions for pregnant and postpartum women who are incarcerated by providing access to necessary medical care, nutrition, and mental health services. It also seeks to ensure that these women are able to maintain contact with their children while in prison, through visitation rights and other means of communication.

Additionally, the Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act includes provisions to support reentry programs for mothers who are released from prison, in order to help them successfully reintegrate into society and reunite with their families. This may include job training, housing assistance, and other support services. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to promote the well-being of incarcerated mothers and their children, and to address the specific needs of this vulnerable population within the criminal justice system. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is a necessary step towards promoting justice and equality for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.