(a) A female who has been committed to the Division of Juvenile Facilities shall have the right to summon and receive the services of a physician and surgeon of her choice in order to determine whether she is pregnant. The director may adopt reasonable rules and regulations with regard to the conduct of examinations to effectuate that determination.
(b) If she is found to be pregnant, she is entitled to a determination of the extent of the medical services needed by her and to the receipt of those services from the physician and surgeon of her choice. Expenses occasioned by the services of a physician and surgeon whose services are not provided by the facility shall be borne by the female.
(c) A ward who gives birth while under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Facilities, or a community treatment program has the right to the following services:
(1) Prenatal care.
(2) Access to prenatal vitamins.
(3) Childbirth education.
(d) A ward who is known to be pregnant or in recovery after delivery shall not be restrained except as provided by Section 3407 of the Penal Code.
(e) A physician providing services pursuant to this section shall possess a current, valid, and unrevoked certificate to engage in the practice of medicine issued pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.
(f) The rights provided to females by this section shall be posted in at least one conspicuous place to which all female wards have access.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 726, Sec. 5. (AB 2530) Effective January 1, 2013.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018