Texas Jails Fail Pregnant Inmates, Data Reveals

Years of advocacy have spurred Texas to enhance tracking of maternal health and mortality among pregnant inmates in county jails. Investigations have revealed a history of neglect and mistreatment, including cases of severe infection and infant death due to alleged medical negligence. As a result, Texas is now collecting comprehensive data on prenatal care, mental health indicators, and pregnancy outcomes for hundreds of incarcerated pregnant individuals each month.

This increased data collection, initiated by a legislative rider, aims to provide more accountability and demonstrate that harm to these mothers' health is preventable. The state's Commission on Jail Standards reported approximately 430 pregnant inmates monthly between September and November 2025, with 42 deliveries and 28 miscarriages recorded during that period. This effort positions Texas as a leader in collecting such specific data on jail populations.

Advocates, like Krish Gundu of the Texas Jail Project, see this as a culmination of nearly a decade of work, following legislative successes in 2009 that banned restraints on pregnant inmates and mandated obstetrical/gynecological care. However, concerns remain, such as the exclusion of postpartum care data, which advocates argue is crucial given the extended recovery period and potential mental health risks for new mothers. The commission acknowledges these concerns but cites feasibility issues for the current study.