Virginia currently allows pregnant prisoners to be shackled – even during labor, delivery and postpartum recovery. Although the Virginia Department of Corrections limited the use of such restraints over the summer, in many instances this treatment occurs in local and regional jails and lockups – facilities which do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association oppose the practice of shackling inmates due to the health risks it poses to the life of the mother and her child.

Please enact limitations preventing missuse.