Ensuring OB–GYN Care in Prisons Act

The Ensuring OB-GYN Care in Prisons Act would require all Bureau of Prisons facilities with female populations to employ at least one full-time, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist on-site. The bill would ensure that newly incarcerated women receive an initial gynecological exam within 14 days of intake and would require prenatal visits consistent with community standards for pregnant inmates. The legislation would also mandate comprehensive reproductive health services including menstrual health care, contraceptive counseling, postpartum care, and screening for postpartum depression.

The bill responds to documented cases of inadequate maternal health care in federal prisons, including instances where pregnant women gave birth alone in cells or experienced dangerous delays in receiving medical care. The legislation would require the Bureau of Prisons to fill any vacancy in an obstetrician-gynecologist position within 42 days and to submit annual reports to Congress on pregnancy-related outcomes and other key maternal health data. The bill would also establish processes for female prisoners to receive referrals to other medical specialists when medically necessary and would ensure that transportation and security arrangements do not delay access to care.