Bill
Bill > A4015
NJ A4015
Requires DOC to provide prenatal and post-partum education and services for certain inmates.
summary
Introduced
05/16/2022
05/16/2022
In Committee
05/16/2022
05/16/2022
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2024
01/08/2024
Introduced Session
2022-2023 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Commissioner of Corrections to provide appropriate prenatal and post-partum services to expectant mothers. Nationwide women represent a small minority of the correction population; however, at any given time, approximately six to 10 percent of incarcerated women are pregnant (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2011). Many women first learn of their pregnancy upon entry to a correctional facility. At the time of their arrest and incarceration, many of these expectant mothers lack prenatal care and need considerable support to improve the clinical outcomes of their pregnancy. Incarcerated women tend to have complicated and high-risk pregnancies due to increased rates of substance use disorders and psychological distress. This bill provides that incarcerated expectant mothers are required to receive prenatal education; prenatal medical evaluation and care; nutritional counseling and supplements; counseling regarding family planning, birth control, test results, termination of pregnancy, child placement services, and religious counseling, if desired; and post-partum education and care.
AI Summary
This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide appropriate prenatal and post-partum services to expectant mothers who are incarcerated. This includes prenatal education, medical evaluation and care, nutritional counseling, counseling on family planning and other pregnancy-related services, as well as post-partum education and care. The bill also mandates that pregnant inmates who choose to carry their pregnancy to term be provided with ongoing prenatal care, suitable maternity clothes, appropriate housing and work accommodations, as deemed necessary by their treating physician. The intent is to address the complex and high-risk pregnancies faced by many incarcerated women, who often lack access to proper prenatal care prior to their incarceration.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee (on 05/16/2022)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/A4015 |
| BillText | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2022/A4500/4015_I1.HTM |
| Bill | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2022/A4500/4015_I1.PDF |
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