Shackling pregnant women is not only a human rights issue, it is a health issue.  Therefore, 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 fetus. 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.

Restricting the use of restraints on pregnant women prisoners will not jeopardize the safety of correctional or medical staff. Among the states that have restricted shackling of 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.

Providing a procedure for compliance with this regulation will ensure much needed accountability.
Thank you for considering this perspective.

Katherine Gotthardt