Bill > HB377

This bill, titled the "Georgia Women's CARE (Child Care Alternatives, Resources, and Education) Act," proposes several key changes: 1. It requires that women who are arrested and not released on bond within 72 hours undergo pregnancy testing, including urine, blood, or ultrasound scans. 2. It establishes new provisions for the treatment of pregnant and postpartum female inmates, such as restricting the use of restraints during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period, and prohibiting the placement of these women in solitary confinement or administrative segregation. 3. It allows for the deferment of sentencing for pregnant women until six weeks post-delivery, during which time the offender must maintain prenatal care, participate in education and resource programs, and report to the Department of Community Supervision. 4. It requires penal institutions to report annually to the Department of Public Health on data related to incarcerated pregnant women, including the number of women who were incarcerated, the number of pregnant women, and the number who declined deferred sentencing. 5. It mandates that health care providers, facilities, and pharmacies provide the Maternal Mortality Review Committee with access to relevant medical records within 30 days of receiving a request.

Health and Social Services, Justice