119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9756
The Maternal Access to Treatment Act of 2026 requires the Bureau of Prisons to provide medication-assisted treatment to pregnant women in federal custody who are addicted to opioids. Medication-assisted treatment uses medications like methadone or buprenorphine to help manage opioid addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms. The bill affects pregnant women incarcerated in federal prisons, as well as their unborn children who may benefit from reduced exposure to opioid withdrawal during pregnancy. The legislation includes an exception allowing mentally competent pregnant women to decline treatment if they choose to do so. The bill does not specify a funding amount or implementation timeline.