Kamlager-Dove proposes House legislation to strengthen health care for pregnant women in custody

U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove has put forward a bill in the House designed to enhance the health care and living standards for pregnant women in custody, the U.S. Congress reports.

Known as H.R.8690, the measure was introduced May 7, 2026, during the 119th Congress’ 2026 session. Here is a breakdown based on the official bill document, including clarifying interpretation where appropriate.

The “Pregnant Women in Custody Act” focuses on improving health care and living conditions for incarcerated women regarding pregnancy and childbirth. It requires data to be collected about the health needs of pregnant women in various confinement settings, and institutes comprehensive health protocols such as access to prenatal care, nutritional support, and mental health resources. The legislation bans restrictive housing for pregnant women during pregnancy, labor, and recovery, and directs institutions to create policies that support bonding between mothers and infants. It also mandates training for corrections staff on the particular needs of pregnant women and requires reporting on the treatment and outcomes for these incarcerated women. The act will take effect one year after being signed into law.

The legislation was submitted by Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat-CA-37th District) and jointly sponsored by Rep. Julia Brownley (Democrat-CA-26th District), Rep. Danny K. Davis (Democrat-CA-7th District), Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (Democrat-CA-4th District), and four additional co-sponsors.

Rep. Kamlager-Dove has introduced a total of 21 other bills since the current Congress began.

Bills in Congress can be introduced in the U.S. House or Senate, except those concerning revenue, which must originate in the House. After introduction, bills are referred to committees for consideration, hearings, revisions, and debate before moving to a chamberwide vote. For legislation to proceed, both chambers must pass identical versions before the measure is sent to the president for approval or veto. Congressional sessions last two years, with each term numbered in sequence and divided into two sessions. Bill history and the official legislative process are documented by the U.S. Congress on Congress.gov.

Sydney Kamlager-Dove represents California and served previously in the state assembly from 2018 to 2021 and the state senate from 2021 to 2022. Elected as a Democrat to the 118th Congress, she has served in Congress since Jan. 3, 2023.

Kamlager-Dove graduated from Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School in Chicago, obtained a B.A. from the University of Southern California in 1994, and earned an M.A. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1996. Her career includes work as a nonprofit director and division manager, with staff roles for California state lawmaker Holly Mitchell from 2010 to 2018.

Information for this article was sourced from the U.S. Congress. Original data can be accessed here.