Bill
Bill > S2203
NJ S2203
NJ S2203Requires DOC to provide prenatal and post-partum education and services for certain inmates.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 mandates that the Commissioner of Corrections, the head of the state's correctional system, must provide comprehensive prenatal and post-partum care to pregnant inmates under 60 years old. Upon entering a correctional facility, female inmates will be tested for pregnancy, and if confirmed, they will receive essential services including prenatal education, medical evaluations and care, nutritional counseling and supplements, and counseling on various reproductive health topics such as family planning, birth control, and options for pregnancy termination or child placement, as well as religious counseling if requested. Additionally, inmates who choose to carry their pregnancy to term will receive ongoing prenatal care, obstetrical services, maternity clothing, suitable housing, and adjusted work and exercise schedules as medically advised by their doctor, along with post-partum education and care.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S2203 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2203_I1.HTM |
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