Shevrin Jones Refiles Bill to Safeguard Arrested Pregnant Women
The bill would create flexibility in sentencing for pregnant women by allowing courts to delay incarceration for up to 12 weeks.
After years of repeated attempts, a proposed law could finally bring enhanced safeguards and protocols to protect the health and rights of pregnant women in police custody.
Shevrin Jones filed the measure (SB 172), alongside a House companion bill filed by Tampa Democratic Rep. Dianne Hart (HB 59), which aims to implement pregnancy testing, flexible sentencing, and postpartum care for pregnant women facing incarceration.
Ava’s Law
is in honor of a newborn baby who died in August 2021 after her mother, Erica Thompson, went into premature labor alone in a cell in Alachua County jail.
Jones first filed Ava’s Law in 2021 and has subsequently refiled the measure every year since.
Jones’ 2025 bill (SB 206) was co-sponsored by former Miami-Dade County prosecutor Sen. Jason Pizzo and Orlando Democratic Sen.
Author summary: Shevrin Jones refiles bill to protect pregnant women in custody.