I am writing you today requesting that you please support these commonsense permanent regulations to ensure the safety of mothers and their children. These regulations ensure that a consistent policy will be applied by corrections facilities across the Commonwealth.  Restraining pregnant women is a dangerous practice that can result in injury to the mother and trauma to her child. The American Medical Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Public Health Association all support limiting the use of restraints for pregnant inmates. I commend the Board for proposing regulations limiting the use of restraints and urge it to make these regulations final.

Thank you for your compassion.