Bill > B26-0404

This bill, the Safe Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Care for Youth at DYRS Amendment Act of 2025, amends the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services Establishment Act of 2004 to ensure that pregnant youth in the care of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) receive comprehensive healthcare and support. Specifically, DYRS will be required to offer pregnancy tests to all youth who may become pregnant upon admission or as needed for medication prescriptions, and upon confirmation of pregnancy, the youth will be informed about the department's policies regarding pregnant individuals in their care. The bill mandates that DYRS provide confidential, timely, and culturally appropriate healthcare from licensed maternal healthcare providers, including care for conditions that arise during pregnancy and postpartum, with a focus on a postpartum visit within 12 weeks of birth. This care may involve referrals to external specialists and includes counseling on family planning, prenatal education, birth control, test results, and perinatal mental health. Furthermore, DYRS must provide necessary medical, healthcare, and personal care supplies at no cost to the pregnant youth, such as equipment for breast milk storage and transport, and ensure they receive appropriate diets during pregnancy and postpartum as recommended by healthcare providers or department policy.