I commend the Board for proposing regulations limiting the use of restraints for pregnant women inmates, particularly during labor and delivery and immediately after the birth of the child.  I urge the Board to make these regulations final and consistent across all corrections facilities in the Commonwealth.

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. Restraining pregnant women could result in harm to the mother and trauma to the child. Forthermore, restrictions during labor and delivery may impede the birth process, leading to complications for both mother and child.  Restrictions on the mother may also cause unnecessary difficulties for the medical personnel assisting in the delivery. And restrictions during the postpartum period are inhumane, possibly prevent emotional bonding that is so necessary for the child's proper development. 

Again, I urge you to pass regulations that are humane and medically sensible and that affect not only mothers who are incarcerated but their unborn children as well.