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The Department of Health and Human Services, for example, is charged with the care of migrant children who arrive in the United States without a parent or guardian until they’re released to a sponsor, like a relative, in the country. Some of those minors can be pregnant when they come into custody, making the shifting legal landscape difficult for shelter providers to navigate.
“The Dobbs ruling has created an untenable and dangerous situation for pregnant girls in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, many of whom have fled from extreme violence and abuse,” said Neha Desai, senior director of immigration at the National Center for Youth Law.
“It is critical that this administration take a stand to protect the basic health of these girls by issuing clear guidance ensuring access to abortion services for girls, regardless of what state they happen to be placed in,” she added.
As of July 18, there were 11,483 children in HHS custody, according to government data. It’s unclear how many pregnant girls are currently in custody, or how many have sought abortions.
Minors are given an initial medical exam, including a pregnancy test for girls. If pregnant, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, an agency within HHS, usually places girls in licensed shelters that can provide needed services.
The recent Supreme Court decision may broaden that as more states crack down on abortion.
“My understanding is that the agency is working on guidance which builds from both the 2020 policy memo resulting from the Garza litigation, as well as the field guidance issued after Texas restricted access to abortion in 2021,” Desai told CNN, citing the memo and guidance that has already been released.
CNN reached out to HHS for comment.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement also recently reminded its workforce of its policies, as it relates to pregnant detainees, though the agency generally doesn’t arrest or detain pregnant women.
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