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B 26-0404

Safe Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Care for Youth at DYRS Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Zachary Parker

Requires DYRS to provide comprehensive pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum healthcare services for incarcerated youth, addressing maternal health gaps in juvenile detention.

Law L26-0130, Effective from Jun 11, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008884
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · B 26-0404

Legislative bill overview

This bill amends DC law to establish comprehensive pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care requirements for youth in the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). It mandates that DYRS provide or ensure access to prenatal care, safe delivery services, and postpartum support for pregnant and parenting youth in its facilities and programs.

Why is this important

Pregnant and parenting youth in the juvenile justice system face significant health vulnerabilities and often lack adequate medical care. This legislation addresses a gap in services for one of society's most medically fragile populations, potentially improving maternal and infant health outcomes while supporting educational and developmental needs of incarcerated youth.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: Implementing comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care requires substantial funding and infrastructure that DYRS may lack, raising questions about budget feasibility
  • Facility capacity and separation concerns: Determining where pregnant youth will deliver and recover raises questions about facility design, security protocols, and whether infants remain with mothers in detention settings
  • Scope of parental rights: The bill may create tensions regarding parental consent for medical decisions, custody decisions post-delivery, and involvement of child welfare agencies (CFSA)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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