The practice of keeping pregnant inmates shackled, especially during labor and delivery, is something that should be left in the distant past as soon as possible. I'm grateful for the various Virginia faith groups that have brought to our attention this barbaric and unnecessary practice. Having just witnessed the life changing birth of a new baby to my household, I simply cannot fathom what a discouraging degradation to human life that must be. No matter the mother's record, no matter the circumstances behind the pregnancy, it is unconscionable that any human being should draw his or her first breath under such duress. It is unimaginable that a woman incarcerated should be so robbed of her humanity - her dignity - her sanity - as to be prevented from holding her new born baby without the burden of steel chains.

Every child, from every background, born to this community is our shared responsibility in one way or another. It would be so simple to take away one more barrier to a good start. Please help these new born babies experience the natural embrace of their mothers, so that they might begin life with the deep sense of love that every human soul requires.