Missouri House Bill HB1090

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Establishes certain protections for pregnant offenders

Impact

The bill's passage would amend existing laws to incorporate specific provisions designed to protect the health and wellbeing of pregnant women in jails. It mandates that facilities provide proper care, including maternal health evaluations, dietary supplements, and timely meals. The introduction of such specific guidelines represents a significant shift in how female offenders are treated, aiming to improve maternal health during incarceration. This capability within the law aims to align jail practices with recognized health standards during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, ensuring that women's needs are prioritized even when incarcerated.

Summary

House Bill 1090 aims to establish protections for pregnant offenders within county and city jails in Missouri. The bill prohibits the use of restraints on pregnant offenders during their third trimester, as well as during labor, delivery, and for forty-eight hours postpartum, except in extraordinary circumstances that pose a significant risk to safety. If restraints are deemed necessary, the bill mandates that the reasoning, type of restraint used, and justifications be thoroughly documented by the authorities involved. This part of the bill seeks to ensure that pregnant women in these facilities are not subjected to unnecessary physical constraints, which can jeopardize both their health and that of their unborn child.

Contention

Nevertheless, HB1090 is expected to face scrutiny regarding potential conflicts with security concerns and operational protocols within jails. Supporters of the bill argue that it establishes much-needed protections for a vulnerable population that may otherwise be subject to potentially harmful policies regarding restraint usage. Critics may raise questions about the practicality of enforcing these standards in a correctional environment while maintaining safety and security for all inmates and staff. The ongoing discussion around the balance between security and the humane treatment of pregnant offenders is central to the debate surrounding this legislation.