I support the Board of Corrections’ proposed regulations, which reflect best practice recommendations from several medical groups, federal standards, and the experience of other states that have implemented similar standards.

These are simple common sense guidelines  that will prevent any imprisoned  woman from being restrained during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or post-partum recovery.  I urge that correctional facilities be required to report on the use of these restraints, including the type of restraints used and the circumstances necessitating their use. 

Regulations should limit the use of  restraints of pregnant inmates at all stages of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery, due to the unique health risks posed to women and their children at each of these stages. Following birth, it is critical for a woman to remain unrestrained to prevent post-partum hemorrhage.  Freedom from shackles after delivery also fosters healthy postpartum bonding between a mother and her newborn,  which is essential to the healthy development of the child.

Most women in Virginia's correctional facilities are incarcerated for non-violent offenses and are accompanied by guards when they are cared for in medical facilities.  The safety of personnel has not been compromised since laws preventing restraints on pregnant inmates have been instituted in Illinois in 2000 and in 13 other states since then. 

I strongly support regulations that  balance legitimate security risks and the health concerns of women and children during pregnancy, labor, delivery and post-partum recovery.

Thank you for considering this request.