🔴 LIVE: Providing resources for pregnant and postpartum individuals in the criminal justice system

The New York City Council Committees on Criminal Justice and Women and Gender Equity held a hearing on October 28, 2026, on resources and maternal health care for pregnant and postpartum people in custody. Correctional Health Services (CHS) and the Department of Correction (DOC) described pregnancy screening, prenatal and postpartum care, hospital coordination, mental health referrals, doula support, and the voluntary nursery program. Council members raised concerns about missed medical appointments, pregnant people being housed in general population, restraint reporting, the nursery application process, and future jail planning, including the proposal for about 450 beds for women and gender-expansive people at the Queens detention complex. The Board of Correction and public witnesses called for stronger oversight, coordinated care, and alternatives to incarceration. No legislation was voted on at the hearing; several bills and resolutions were discussed, including proposed mental health protocols and state legislation concerning restraints and postponement of court proceedings during late pregnancy.

Procurement-related discussion focused on DOC’s contract with the Caribbean Women’s Health Association for doula services. DOC said the organization has been a partner for several years, is selected through the procurement process, and currently has a one-year contract; services are generally provided on site twice a week for at least four hours, with additional hours when needed. Reported doula service hours rose to 426 in January–June 2026, compared with 148 in January–June 2025. The annual contract expenditure was requested but not provided in the transcript. DOC also reported that the nursery was renovated last year and received new furniture, cribs, toys, and books, without disclosing a cost. No contract award or purchasing vote occurred.