OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate has passed Senate Bill 5182, legislation sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) to expand access to maternal health care services for incarcerated individuals and modernize state policies to reflect greater inclusivity.
The bill directs the Department of Corrections (DOC) to make reasonable accommodations for providing midwifery and doula services to incarcerated individuals and allows the department to partner with nonprofit organizations and volunteers to deliver these services. It also updates outdated terminology in state policies, replacing references to “inmate” with “incarcerated individual” and shifting gender-specific language to gender-neutral terms.
“Incarcerated individuals deserve proper care, especially during pregnancy and childbirth,” Nobles said. “This bill removes barriers to midwifery and doula services while modernizing corrections policies to reflect dignity and inclusivity.”
Currently, Washington state law requires reasonable accommodations for midwifery or doula services for pregnant incarcerated individuals or those who have recently given birth. However, the law does not mandate DOC to fund or establish these programs, limiting access to critical health services. SB 5182 removes language that restricts DOC from funding these services, allowing greater flexibility in how they are provided.
Midwifery and doula services are essential in offering physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant individuals before, during, and after childbirth. Studies have shown that access to these services improves birth outcomes, reduces stress, and promotes family bonding—particularly for incarcerated parents who face unique challenges in maintaining relationships with their children.
Supporters of the bill emphasize that strengthening parent-child connections during incarceration is vital for both individual well-being and public safety. “Parents who are incarcerated face unique challenges in staying connected with their families and ensuring their children have the support they need,” said a proponent of the bill. “These connections are vital not just for the well-being of the parents and their children, but also for the communities they return to.”
The legislation also expands the definition of “parent” in state policy, ensuring that individuals who act as primary caregivers—regardless of biological ties—are recognized in correctional programs. This change is intended to dismantle the cycle of intergenerational incarceration by strengthening family bonds and support systems.
By allowing DOC to contract with nonprofits and volunteers, SB 5182 also increases the likelihood that incarcerated individuals will have access to specialized, community-supported healthcare services. Advocates argue that these partnerships will improve maternal health care access without adding financial strain to state resources.
The bill received broad support from criminal justice reform advocates, healthcare providers, and community organizations, who view it as a necessary step toward equitable healthcare access in correctional facilities.
With the Senate’s approval, SB 5182 now moves to the House for consideration.
