I am ashamed that pregnant inmates in Virginia are subjected to shackling during childbirth.  Please bring Virginia out of the middle ages.  

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 postpartum hemorrhage.  Freedom from shackles after delivery also fosters postpartum bonding between a mother and her newborn, which is essential to the healthy development of the child.  I believe the child of an incarcerated mother has no less value than any other child.  The risks posed to that child and its mother should be taken into account each time restraints are used.

*                     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.  I 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.