Bill > A01670

This bill aims to protect incarcerated individuals who are pregnant or have recently experienced a pregnancy outcome, as well as pregnant individuals during custodial interrogations, by significantly restricting the use of restraints and force. Specifically, it prohibits the use of any restraints on incarcerated individuals during labor, delivery, or within twelve weeks of any pregnancy outcome (including birth, abortion, miscarriage, and stillbirth), unless there are extraordinary circumstances where restraints are absolutely necessary to prevent immediate serious injury and cannot be achieved through other means, in which case only wrist restraints in front of the body may be used. The bill also mandates that correctional staff not be present in the patient's room during medical care related to pregnancy or its outcomes, or during labor and delivery, unless requested by medical staff due to a clear risk of danger or by the patient themselves, and ensures that a pregnant or postpartum individual can have a support person of their choosing accompany them. Furthermore, it prohibits law enforcement from using any restraints on individuals known to be pregnant, in labor, or within twelve weeks post-pregnancy during custodial interrogations or any significant restriction of freedom, and requires detailed documentation and public reporting of any instances where restraints or force are used in violation of these provisions.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1670