From the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) October 2024 Report.
Why this study was conducted: According to HHS, the U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations, increasing rates of complications from pregnancy or childbirth, and persistent racial disparities in such outcomes. The U.S. also incarcerates women at the highest rate in the world, and the vast majority reside in state prisons or local jails. GAO was asked to review maternal health care in state prisons and local jails.
This report describes, among other issues, (1) available data on incarcerated pregnant women, (2) available federal support, and (3) challenges to providing care to this population and opportunities to enhance care. GAO reviewed (1) existing available data on pregnant women incarcerated in state prisons and local jails, (2) federal grant information, and (3) relevant studies and peer reviewed articles. GAO also interviewed officials representing 9 state prisons and 9 local jails from a nongeneralizable sample of 12 states about maternal health care in their facilities. GAO visited prisons and jails in 3 states and interviewed 27 incarcerated pregnant and postpartum women about the care they received.