Action | Amend Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups to add requirements on restraint of pregnant offenders |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/29/2012 |
Please do not allow the shackling of pregnant women inmastes. Freedom from physical restraints
is especially critical during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Women frequently need to move around during labor and recovery, particularly during the birthing process. The shackling is unhealthy for mother and child, as well as degrading and unnecessary.
Among the states that have restricted shackling of pregnant inmates, none have documented
instances of women in labor or delivery escaping or causing harm to themselves, the public, security guards, or medical staff.
Thank you.