Restraints for women during pregnancy and childbirth
I support the Board of Corrections’ proposed regulations, which reflect best practice recommendations from several medical groups, federal standards, and the experience of other states that have implemented similar standards.
Faith-based and civil rights groups independently gathered many stories from women in the Commonwealth who have been restrained during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or post-partum recovery. I urge that correctional facilities be required to report on the use of these restraints, including the type of restraints used and the circumstances necessitating their use.
If there are no compelling security threats, I believe constraining pregnant prisoners during pregnancy and childbirth ignores the sacredness of human life and the inherent God-given dignity of each human being, concepts deeply rooted in my faith tradition.
Who came up with the idea that a woman in labor needs to be restrained? I doubt that it came from women who have borne children. It sounds like the Dark Ages, and like men who have no idea what childbirth is like. Unless I don't have the whole picture, I find it astounding that we even have to have this debate in the 21st century.
