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 |
I am writing to support the enactment of the proposed regulation referenced above, limiting the use of restraints on pregnant inmates during labor and delivery, as well as during the post-partum period , during other mediical appointments and procedures, and during related travel time. I believe that pregnant inmates should be free from restraints so that they can have access to the benefits of free movement on the progress of labor, on pain relief, and on the positive emotional experience that can come from being free to participate actively in the birth process. I sport freedom from restraints during the post-partum period for similar reasons: to support the beginning of a strong bond between mother and child: one that will enhance their mutual health and that could later ease the adjustments required when the mother moves toward eventual release and reintegration into both her family and the larger community. I am confident that the provisions of the proposed regulation for providing additional security in specific instances where it is needed are sufficient to protect public safety. Thank you for your consideration of this proposed regulation.