McGuire introduces bill to implement addiction treatment for incarcerated pregnant women

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would require prisons to provide medication-assisted treatment to pregnant women experiencing opioid addiction while incarcerated.

The Maternal Access to Treatment Act of 2026 was introduced by 5th District Rep. John McGuire.

The bill outlines a requirement for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide medication-assisted treatment to incarcerated pregnant women experiencing substance abuse, and that the treatment may be denied by mentally competent pregnant women.

In a statement, McGuire said the bill “takes steps to ensure mom and baby have a chance at a better future.”

To read the bill, or see McGuire’s full statement on the proposed legislation, click here.

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