Dozens of national pro-life leaders are calling for the reinstatement of federal guidance that would generally prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from detaining pregnant women and new mothers in a letter sent to the Trump administration. The letter, signed by leaders from organizations such as the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Right to Life Committee, argues that the detention of pregnant women and new mothers poses serious health risks to both the mother and the unborn child.
The issue of detaining pregnant women and new mothers by ICE has been a topic of concern for pro-life leaders, who argue that it is morally and ethically wrong to detain vulnerable individuals who are already at risk. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the number of pregnant women detained by ICE has increased significantly in recent years, with many being held in conditions that are not suitable for their health and well-being. The pro-life leaders are calling for the reinstatement of a 2016 policy that prohibited the detention of pregnant women, except in extreme cases.
The 2016 policy was introduced during the Obama administration, and it was seen as a way to protect the health and well-being of pregnant women and new mothers who were being detained by ICE. However, the policy was rescinded by the Trump administration in 2017, and since then, pro-life leaders have been advocating for its reinstatement. The Catholic Church has been at the forefront of this effort, with leaders such as Cardinal Daniel DiNardo speaking out against the detention of pregnant women and new mothers.
The health risks associated with detaining pregnant women and new mothers are significant, and pro-life leaders are arguing that it is essential to take steps to protect their health and well-being. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women who are detained by ICE are at risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage, preterm labor, and stillbirth. The pro-life leaders are calling for the Trump administration to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that pregnant women and new mothers are treated with dignity and respect.
| Year | Number of Pregnant Women Detained by ICE |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,562 |
| 2017 | 1,819 |
| 2018 | 2,098 |
The pro-life leaders are expecting a response from the Trump administration in the coming weeks, and they are hoping that the administration will take steps to address the issue of detaining pregnant women and new mothers. The outcome of this effort is uncertain, but the pro-life leaders are committed to continuing their advocacy work to ensure that the health and well-being of pregnant women and new mothers are protected.
⚡ Why it matters: The detention of pregnant women and new mothers by ICE poses serious health risks to both the mother and the unborn child, and it is essential to take steps to protect their health and well-being. The reinstatement of the 2016 policy would be a significant step in addressing this issue and ensuring that vulnerable individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
📊 By the numbers:
1,562 pregnant women were detained by ICE in 2016
1,819 pregnant women were detained by ICE in 2017
2,098 pregnant women were detained by ICE in 2018
🔗 Source: Catholic Review*
