Action | Amend Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups to add requirements on restraint of pregnant offenders |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 9/27/2013 |
I applaud you for getting rid of the use of restraints on pregnant inmates during labor and childbirth. The use of restraints is dangerous for both the mother and the baby and should be eliminated. In addition, women do not try to escape while they are in the process of giving birth, and therefore the restraints during the process are unnecessary. It is important that women giving birth have the basic dignity and basic safety for such a major event as a birth. Please also include provisions for public reporting on the implementation of this policy, so that there is transparency and accountability throughout the system.