TCJS Publishes New Report on the Restraint of Pregnant People
April 9, 2024
Since 2008, thanks to pressure and guidance from Texas Jail Project, the state of Texas passed the first laws to protect and initiate data collection about arrested pregnant people. Read…
Topics: Pregnancy, restraints, TCJS
Since 2008, thanks to pressure and guidance from Texas Jail Project, the state of Texas passed the first laws to protect and initiate data collection about arrested pregnant people. Read our History of Legislative Protections for Pregnant People to learn more about these landmark policies and the data the state is now required to collect and share publicly.
In March 2024, Texas Commission on Jail Standards published its annual Report on the Restraint of Pregnant Inmates, which accounts for each reported restraint of a pregnant or recently postpartum person during 2023.
Throughout 2023, there were 4,853 pregnant inmates held in Texas’s county jails and 133 instances reviewed in which restraints were utilized.
Instances of restraint usage were up to 133 from 111 in 2022. One notable change from 2022 was the number of people restrained due to “transportation policy.” In 2022, two people were restrained due to transportation policy. In 2023, that number increased to 37. Find the full report below.
How to get help if your loved one is pregnant in Texas county jail
If your loved one is pregnant in a Texas county jail, you want them to have the best possible care. If you believe your loved one is not receiving proper medical care and/or nutrition, or if you have questions about navigating the system please visit our Get Help page for information and resources.
If you yourself have experienced being pregnant in a county jail, Texas Jail Project wants to know about the conditions and any problems you might have had or observed. Please email us at info@texasjailproject.org.
We know that some people don’t know where to report the problems and others who are afraid to report. We are here to listen and help you tell your story in your own voice. We can also record and report what happened without your name being involved. Also, please let us know about any jail where a pregnant woman receives good health care and is treated well!