AB 2160 (McKinnor, D-Los Angeles) California Women’s Care Act
This bill would make a rebuttable presumption against detention and incarceration of a pregnant or postpartum mother, authorizing judges to consider alternatives to incarceration for these mothers and encouraging mothers to bond with their infants during the first year of life. Current practice separates incarcerated mothers from their newborns within 48 hours after birth. This is devastating for both. Diversion programs, early release, stays of incarceration or alternative sentencing would ensure babies receive the love and security they desperately need, and give mothers a reason to change course in order to bond with their infants.