I am encouraged to see that the Department of Corrections has begun a regulatory process to change the practice of SHACKLING pregnant inmates during pregnancy and during delivery. I find this practice disgusting and shameful and we, as a commonwealth, should be better than this!  There are so many places where disrepect of women is codified and perhaps masogenistic lawmakers do not even realize their disrespect!  This is an opportunity to correct a problem that is condemned by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and the United Nations as a health risk to the mother and her child.  To my understanding, there are NO examples of pregnant/laboring women posing a threat to anyone while unshackled. 

Thank you for considering my comments.

Dana Palmer, RN

Charlottesville, VA