NEWS: Pregnant women report medical neglect in ICE detention

Pregnant Women Report Medical Neglect in ICE Detention, Rights Groups Say

The Guardian, October 22, 2025

Pregnant women have reported bleeding, miscarriages, being shackled and other instances of medical neglect while in US immigration custody, according to a group of prominent civil rights organizations. The groups … sent a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Senate committees on Wednesday, describing interviews with more than a dozen women … It noted in particular that ICE had “detained several cases of pregnant individuals arising from domestic disputes. This practice endangers survivors of domestic violence, particularly pregnant individuals, who are more vulnerable to abuse and violence.”

Trump’s IVF Announcement Disappoints Everyone – Even His Own Supporters

MSNBC, October 19, 2025

During the 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump claimed he would make in vitro fertilization free for people in the U.S. His official plan, laid out Thursday, should be a wake-up call for anyone who still believed he’d follow through. Instead, the president’s plan primarily focuses on somewhat reducing the cost of IVF – at the same time that the administration is pursuing policies that will increase what people pay for health insurance … To be clear, the guidance does not make insurers cover IVF. Instead, as Sen. Elizabeth Warren put it, the White House’s idea is to “politely ask companies to add IVF coverage out of the goodness of their own hearts – with zero federal investment and no requirement for them to follow through.”

Telehealth Improves Abortion Care Experience for Some Trans, Nonbinary Patients – New Research

Rewire News Group, October 23, 2025

Roughly one in 10 pregnant women in the U.S. undergoes a cesarean section that experts say could have been avoided. One of the strongest predictors of her risk of a medically unnecessary C-section isn’t her age, health, or pregnancy complications – it’s the C-section rate at the hospital where she delivers … Only 11 states make hospital C-section rates easily accessible on public websites, Business Insider found. Most states either say hospital C-section rates are confidential or release data only in response to formal public records or data requests. Some hospitals voluntarily disclose their C-section rates in response to annual consumer surveys; many do not.

HHS Silence on Medicaid Cuts Leaves Planned Parenthood in Limbo

Bloomberg Law, October 20, 2025

The provision, part of Republicans’ tax-and-spending package signed into law this summer, removes funding for one year from large health centers that as of Oct. 1 provided abortion care … But the law leaves HHS wide latitude on when to start cutting off Medicaid reimbursements, and which health centers will be included, analysts say … With recent mass layoffs at HHS, however, “it’s not clear that there’s adequate staffing at HHS to answer some of these questions that the states and providers have,” Salganicoff said in an interview.

Abortion Restrictions May Be Fueling a Rise in Domestic Violence, Experts Warn

PBS News, October 16, 2025

A woman’s risk of being killed in the United States increases by 20 percent on average when pregnant or after giving birth. For those under 25, that risk more than doubles. In fact, pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to be killed than die from childbirth-related issues like severe bleeding, infection and high blood pressure … A study released earlier this year found in states that implemented near-total abortion ban since 2022, domestic violence increased up to 10 percent. And in those states, experts told us even the work-arounds are difficult. Women who are closely watched by their abusers can’t safely get abortion pills at home or travel to another state.

ICYMI: In Case You Missed It

Momnibus legislation aims to address the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis. Our team conducted online searches for state bills titled or described as a Momnibus.

Read the report here.

We respect your privacy. Read our policy.

Note: The information contained in this publication reflects media coverage of women’s health issues and does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Partnership for Women & Families.