Thank you for listening to my concerns regarding the shackling of pregnant women during labor and delivery.

I support regulations that limit the use of restraints on pregnant inmates.
Restraining pregnant inmates poses an unacceptable risk to women's health
and to the health and safety of the baby. Freedom from physical restraints
is especially critical during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Women frequently need to move around during labor and recovery, particularly
during the birthing process.

The absence of physical restraints is essential so that medical staff can
easily conduct any necessary emergency procedures.  Following birth, it is
critical for a woman to remain unshackled to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Freedom from shackles after delivery also fosters postpartum bonding between
a mother and her newborn, which is essential to the healthy development of
the child.

Shackling pregnant women prisoners is a common degrading practice in the
United States, and faith based and civil rights groups in Virginia have
gathered stories from women in the Commonwealth who have been restrained
while pregnant and incarcerated. National correctional and medical
associations oppose the shackling of pregnant women because it is
unnecessary and dangerous.

Sincerely,

Rev. John P. Peterson, YA