What has been the history of pregnant inmate care in Texas jails?

Investigations have revealed a history of mistreatment and neglect, including severe infections and infant deaths due to alleged medical negligence.

What legislative efforts have been made regarding pregnant inmates in Texas?

Past legislative efforts include banning restraints on pregnant inmates during labor and recovery and mandating obstetrical and gynecological care.

Home / Crime and Justice / Texas Jails Fail Pregnant Inmates, Data Reveals

Texas Jails Fail Pregnant Inmates, Data Reveals

Q: What new data is Texas collecting on pregnant inmates?

Texas is now collecting data on prenatal care, mental health indicators, and pregnancy outcomes for incarcerated pregnant individuals.

3 Feb

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Summary

Advocates push for better maternal care tracking in Texas jails.
New state efforts track prenatal care, mental health, and outcomes.
Texas now collects extensive data on pregnant inmates.

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.