The New York State Senate has passed the Compassion and Reproductive Equity (CARE) Act, aiming to improve the health and rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals and their children. If enacted, this legislation would ensure access to basic prenatal and postpartum care, adequate nutrition, and timely medication for those who are pregnant or new mothers while in prison. Senator Julia Salazar emphasizes the ongoing denial of necessary healthcare in New York's correctional facilities, highlighting significant health risks faced by this vulnerable population, supported by a 2016 study indicating that many do not receive prenatal care in custody.
All infants and their mothers, including those behind bars, deserve access to basic healthcare, said Brooklyn state Sen. Julia Salazar, the prime sponsor of the CARE Act.
The lack of prenatal care increases the risk of infant mortality, premature birth, and NICU placement, Salazar noted in her statement.
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