Faith-based and civil rights groups independently gathered many stories from women in the Commonwealth who have been restrained during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or post-partum recovery.. Most women in correctional facilities are incarcerated for non-violent crimes 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.  People and communities strongly support regulations that appropriately balance legitimate security risks and the health concerns of women and children during pregnancy, labor, delivery and post-partum recovery.

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

Thank you for your efforts to protect women and children rights and from this degrading and dangerous practice.