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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2/1/12  5:12 pm
Commenter: Larry Cheek

restraints on women prisoners giving birth
 

I am not very informed when it comes to what takes place in a prison setting. I assume that there are times when a prisoner might would be deemed dangerous to herself or another person and would need to be restrained. However, I find it difficult to belief that a woman giving birth would be able to flee or have an inclination to try and escape. I think that we should ask ourselves what is the humane thing to do.  It sounds over- the- top to shackle a woman while she is in the process of giving birth. Perhaps shackles could be removed and a less severe method be adopted that would prevent the prisoner from having the capability to flee but still allow for freedom of movement necessary during the birth process. Certainly at the very least, those officers regularly charged with the care of a prisoner should be involved in the decision by seeking their input as to the flight risk of a patient. Thank you for your time and consideration.

CommentID: 21800