Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Corrections
 
Board
State Board of Local and Regional Jails
 
chapter
Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups [6 VAC 15 ‑ 40]
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
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5/6/14  12:14 pm
Commenter: Mary

Protect Pregnant Women and Children
 

I wholeheartedly agree with using the most humane, least restrictive restraints possible for pregrant inmates. Restraining pregnant women before and during labor and delivery is inhumane. Using restraints during labor and delivery restricts a woman's movement and could impact medical care. This substantially increases harm to the child.

Freedom of movement is essential during postpartum recovery as well. Restraints do not allow bonding after delivery, which is essential for the physical and emotional wellbeing of both mother and child. 

The proposed regulations seem very commonsense and appropriate. I hope they are put into effect.

CommentID: 31637