ACOG Statement on Detention of Undocumented Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals

Washington, DC – The following is a statement from J. Martin Tucker, MD, President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

“ACOG is grateful to President Biden for the establishment of a policy against detention of undocumented individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or postpartum. This immigration policy represents a strong shift toward more just treatment of pregnant and postpartum individuals during a critical time in their lives.

“Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or postpartum should have access to patient-centered, nonjudgmental healthcare. Pregnant individuals held in immigration detention facilities have poor access to medical care, which can lead to detrimental outcomes, including death. Immigration policies that support the detention of those who are pregnant, nursing, or postpartum place them at increased risk and are detrimental to the health and well-being of immigrant families.”

Additional Resources

• ACOG Statement of Policy on Opposition to Immigration Practices that are Detrimental to the Well-Being of Women and Children
• ACOG Committee Opinion on Health Care for Unauthorized Immigrants
• ACOG Committee Opinion on Reproductive Health Care for Pregnant, Postpartum, and Nonpregnant Individuals