The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has expressed concern over the Trump Administration's recent decision to rescind a policy that provided guidance for the care of pregnant and postpartum women, as well as their newborns, while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, have criticized this move.

“It is deeply troubling and inexcusable that measures intended to ensure the basic safety of pregnant mothers and their young children while in government custody could be rescinded with such indifference toward the vulnerability of those involved,” stated Bishop Seitz and Bishop Thomas.

The now-rescinded policy had established minimum standards for care, ensuring that mothers and their babies received necessary provisions such as food, water, formula, safe sleeping arrangements, and regular monitoring. The policy also required placing them in the least restrictive setting possible.

The rationale provided by the administration for this rescission was that the guidance was “obsolete or misaligned with current Agency guidance and immigration enforcement priorities.” Additionally, related guidance concerning custodial considerations for medically at-risk individuals was also rescinded without any new policies introduced to replace it.

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