Bill > H2833

This bill mandates that correctional institutions housing women provide them with comprehensive health education and reproductive healthcare services. Specifically, upon admission and at any time thereafter, incarcerated women must be given written information about women's health, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections, presented in a user-friendly brochure translated into their native languages by the Department of Public Health. Furthermore, at least four months before release, female prisoners of childbearing age must be offered contraception counseling and a gynecological exam, including a Pap Test, with the institution providing their chosen form of contraception, including options like birth control pills or intra-uterine devices, and ensuring they begin any time-sensitive regimens at least three months prior to release. Upon release, they will receive a twelve-month prescription refill, referrals to pharmacies and healthcare providers for ongoing care, and a referral to a primary care physician or gynecologist. Additionally, the bill requires that a health education course be offered to all eligible incarcerated women, covering topics such as general health, nutrition, mental health, women's health, domestic violence, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, emergency contraception, sex education, and pregnancy, with the curriculum developed in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health.