Action | Amend Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups to add requirements on restraint of pregnant offenders |
Stage | Final |
Comment Period | Ended on 5/7/2014 |
The vast majority of female prisoners are non-violent offenders who pose a low security risk—particularly during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. In the states that have outlawed the restraint of pregnant inmates, there have been no documented instances of a woman in labor or delivery escaping or causing harm to themselves, guards, or medical staff. Local jails throughout the Commonwealth should immediately implement a policy of no-restraint of pregnant inmates. Thank you.