Pelosi calls for investigation into reports of mistreatment of pregnant women in DHS custody

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called for an investigation Thursday into reports of mistreatment of pregnant women in the Department of Homeland Security custody that she called “appalling and inhumane.”

“There is a pattern of U.S. officials denying and delaying medical treatment to pregnant women and subjecting them to prolonged detention and inappropriate treatment in inadequate facilities,” she added. “This mistreatment is more disturbing and dangerous, as the coronavirus crisis threatens the health and lives of the most vulnerable among us.”

Pelosi cited an incident where a pregnant Guatemalan woman in labor was allegedly ignored by U.S. Border Patrol officers. 

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a complaint with the department’s inspector general alleging the woman gave birth while standing, holding onto a trash can and still wearing pants.  

Pelosi said she was joining Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and others in requesting the inspector general “immediately conduct” an investigation into these reports. Blumenthal submitted a letter to Inspector General Joseph Cuffari Wednesday.

“As we observe Holy Week, Passover and Ramadan, we pray for all who are suffering during this heartbreaking time,” Pelosi said. “We also pray that those in power will remember their moral responsibility to ensure that all people are treated with compassion and dignity.”