AB 398

This bill limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant and postpartum

people who are in the custody of a correctional facility. Under the bill, a pregnant

person may not be restrained unless the restraints are reasonably necessary for the

legitimate safety and security needs of the person, correctional staff, other inmates,

or the public, and any restraints used must be the least restrictive possible. In

addition, the bill requires that every woman in the custody of a correctional facility

be offered testing for pregnancy, and, if pregnant, be offered testing for sexually

transmitted infections. The bill also requires the correctional facility where the

pregnant or postpartum person is being confined to provide information related to

pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, and to provide access to certain health

services related to pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.