Dear Virginia,

On behalf of  our nonprofit prisoner and family support advocacy, Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged (RIHD) and it's members support the         absence of physical restraints to pregrant women prisoners during child bearing     and emergencies. 

"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."

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                         Lillie Branch-Kennedy                                                                                                                                Executive Director

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