Any practice of this nature presumably would be to prevent escapes.  So one question is has this ever happened in the history of Virginia in the past 100 years? Not to my knowledge.

If someone did escape would they in any way be a threat to public safety?  For all but a few exteme cases I would suggest the answer is no.  If it was felt there was a risk of escape than the use of a security guard or a lock on doors of a hospital room could be utilized.  Either is a more viable option than schackling of a mother giving birth which could jepordize the lives of two people.

This proposal to eliminate shackling of pregeant mothers at birthing corrects what appears to be a medieval practice of no known benefit to the citizens of Virginia.  It is an inhumane concept and should never be used or allowed.  Thank you.  Bob Bohall, Ph.D., Member of the Board of Directors.  Virginia CURE.