Bill Sponsor
House Bill 3563
116th Congress(2019-2020)
Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on Jun 27, 2019
Overview
Text
Introduced
Jun 27, 2019
Latest Action
Jul 30, 2019
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
3563
Congress
116
Policy Area
Immigration
Immigration
Primary focus of measure is administration of immigration and naturalization matters; immigration enforcement procedures; refugees and asylum policies; travel and residence documentation; foreign labor; benefits for immigrants. Measures concerning smuggling and trafficking of persons may fall under Crime and Law Enforcement policy area. Measures concerning refugees may fall under International Affairs policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
House Votes (0)
Senate Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
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 requires DHS to use the least restrictive restraint necessary and prohibits certain specified restraint types, including four-point restraints and binding a detainee's hands behind her back.

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.

Text (1)
June 27, 2019
Actions (3)
07/30/2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
06/27/2019
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
06/27/2019
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Nov 1, 2022 1:50:48 PM