As a childbirth educator and advocate for pregnant women, I urge you to adopt regulations that prohibit the shackling of pregnant and birthing inmates. This practice has the potential of doing great harm to women and their babies, particularly during labor when women need freedom of movement.  Among the states that have restricted shackling of pregnant inmates none have documented instances of women in labor or delivery escaping or causing harm to themselves, the public, security guards, or medical staff.

The Department of Corrections has already limited the use of restraints on pregnant inmates in state prisons. Regional and local facilities should follow suit.

Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.

Leslie Lytle