I support regulations that limit the use of restraints on pregnant inmates.  I was stunned to realize that there was any practice in Virginia in modern times that provided for shackling of these women during the childbirth process.  Restraining pregnant inmates is not only inhumane and degrading it, also creates an unacceptable risk to the health of the mother and unborn child and an unacceptable safety risk during delivery.  Freedom of movement for a mother is a basic necessity particularly during labor and delivery and also the recovery period from childbirth.

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.

National correctional and medical associations oppose the shackling of pregnant women because it is
unnecessary and dangerous.  As for the safety of the women themselves, the public, security guards, and medical staff, based on the experience of other states that have restricked shackling of women in this condition, there have been no docmented cases of women in labor or delivery escaping or causing harm to themselves, the public, security guards, or medical staff.

In addition, there must be a procedur in place that ensures compliance with this regulation.

Finally, having given birth twice myself and as the daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, and aunt of those who have been and are law enforcement officers, I recognize that this is not a simple issue.  But it is clearly one that has to be addressed by first restricting the use of shackles on pregnant women.who are incarcerated.