Sydney Kamlager-Dove

“YALI recognizes the unique role that Africa’s young people will play in shaping the future of the continent, and by extension the world, as the fastest-growing population on the planet,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “After the Office of Management and Budget's interference cancelled the 2026 cohort of YALI fellows, providing this program with statutory authority is more important than ever. Passing this bill through committee with bipartisan support reaffirms Congress’ responsibility to serve as the enduring partner in our bilateral relationships, investing in the people-to-people ties that will outlast any one administration and all of us.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) reintroduced the Pregnant Women in Custody Act, critical legislation that establishes care standards for pregnant and postpartum women in federal custody. This updated version builds upon the bipartisan bill passed by the House in the 117th Congress by expanding coverage across agencies, elevating healthcare and safety standards, and creating enforceable mechanisms to ensure accountability. Following recent reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care, and miscarrying in immigration detention centers, the updated Pregnant Women in Custody Act extends protections beyond the Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Marshals Service to include pregnant and postpartum women in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The bill also adds new requirements for access to health care, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity, data transparency, and limits on unsafe practices. “Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status. Yet far too often, we hear devastating stories about expectant mothers who have been neglected, abused, and forgotten by the system,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bill that meets the moment by expanding protections to include pregnant and postpartum women in immigration detention, while strengthening maternal care for all women in federal facilities. It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody, and this bill aims to right that wrong by ensuring healthier, safer futures for mothers and babies.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance. But too often, the justice system prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation, disproportionately impacting Black and brown communities,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Too few incarcerated people get another opportunity, and those who do often reenter society without help getting back on their feet—leading some to end up back in the system. I’m proud to introduce this legislative package that would ensure that justice-involved individuals both receive second chances and have the resources they need to succeed.”

"Amity Foundation is proud to support Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove's National Reentry Week package," said Doug Bond, CEO, Amity Foundation. "For over five decades, we have seen firsthand that people leaving incarceration need more than a second chance — they need real resources, real support, and a real path forward. This package delivers exactly that, and we are grateful to have a champion in Congress who understands that investing in reentry is investing in safer, stronger communities for all of us."