The Family Foundation supports the proposed regulations that restrict the use of restraints on pregnant inmates.  This is important because it is a critical safety measure for the life of both pregnant mothers and their children.  Many in the medical community, including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association, acknowledge that the use of restraints may cause serious health risks to both the mother and child.  The challenges of restraints become even more urgent in the delivery room.  Maureen Phipps, a professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Brown University explains that if an emergency arises in the delivery room, including the need for a c-section, precious seconds are lost removing restraints from a woman, potentially preventing a doctor from delivering necessary care.  Restricting the use of restraints on pregnant women is essential for the full health and well-being of both mom and baby. 

This is a compassionate, commonsense reform and such regulations will further the mission of the pro-life cause.  Restricting the use of restraints on pregnant inmates will not jeopardize the safety of correctional or medical staff.  Among the states that have restricted restraints on pregnant inmates, none have documented instances of women in labor or delivery escaping or causing harm to themselves, the public, security guards, or medical staff.  There are reasonable exceptions to protect security staff.  For these reasons, The Family Foundation urges support of these proposed regulations to restrict the use of restraints on pregnant inmates.