Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Corrections
 
Board
State Board of Local and Regional Jails
 
chapter
Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups [6 VAC 15 ‑ 40]
Action Amend Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups to add requirements on restraint of pregnant offenders
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 2/29/2012
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2/28/12  5:45 pm
Commenter: Sharon Ekstrand

Shackling of pregnant women in VA jails
 

The practice of shackling pregant women is an afront to human dignity and that of the unborn child, especially at the time of birth.  It is also a health risk and must be stopped unless absolutely necessary. Research shows that unshackling mothers, especially during the birth process, does not lead to injury of them nor prison staff, etc.

Please consider improving this situation.

Sincerely,

Sharon K. Ekstrand

CommentID: 23333