Bills · HR 4664
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4664Crime and Law Enforcement
Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act
INTRO JUL 23· LAST ACTION JUL 23
READING
13MIN
COSPONSORS
59
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses significant concerns about the health and safety of pregnant individuals and their babies within the immigration detention system. Currently, pregnant people can be detained and, in some cases, subjected to restraints, which critics argue poses serious health risks and goes against medical recommendations for care during pregnancy and after childbirth. If this bill becomes law, it would significantly reduce the number of pregnant, lactating, and postpartum individuals held in immigration detention, pushing instead for release or alternative programs.
Without this bill, current practices could continue, meaning more pregnant individuals might remain in detention and potentially face the use of restraints. The bill reflects a broader debate about the humane treatment of vulnerable populations within the immigration system and aims to bring federal detention policies in line with standards often advocated by medical and human rights organizations, potentially impacting the welfare of mothers and newborns across the country.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a "presumption of release" for individuals known to be pregnant, lactating, or postpartum, meaning they generally cannot be detained by immigration authorities.
This provision significantly limits immigration detention for a vulnerable population, prioritizing their health and well-being over incarceration during a critical period.
PROVISION 02
Allows detention of pregnant, lactating, or postpartum individuals only under extraordinary circumstances, specifically if they pose an immediate and serious physical harm to others that cannot be mitigated by alternatives to detention.
It creates a very high bar for detaining these individuals, ensuring detention is only used as a last resort for public safety concerns.
PROVISION 03
Requires weekly individualized reviews for any pregnant, lactating, or postpartum individual who is detained under an exception.
This ensures ongoing oversight and a continuous evaluation of whether detention remains absolutely necessary, preventing prolonged unnecessary detention.
PROVISION 04
Prohibits the use of physical restraints, such as handcuffs or leg irons, on pregnant individuals while in detention or custody.
This provision aims to prevent practices widely considered inhumane and medically unsafe for pregnant individuals, protecting them from harm.
PROVISION 05
Requires access to pregnancy testing for every individual processed into custody during the initial medical screening.
This ensures early identification of pregnant individuals, allowing for immediate application of the bill's protective measures.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 59
D· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
20
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 59 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 23
Introduced in House
JUL 23
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4664
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 23, 2025
Last actionJul 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 23, 2025
House BillHR 4664Crime and Law Enforcement
Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act
INTRODUCED JUL 23, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
13 min
COSPONSORS
59
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
