Commenter:
Anita Grazer, SALT, Social Action Linking Together
Virginia Board of Corrections Proposed Regulations
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.
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. 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.
If there are no compelling security threats, I believe constraining pregnant prisoners during pregnancy and childbirth ignores the sacredness of human life and the inherent God-given dignity of each human being, concepts deeply rooted in my faith tradition.
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.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that, “If restraint is needed after the first trimester, it should be performed with the individual on her side, not flat on her back or stomach. If she needs to be restrained for more than several minutes, she should be allowed to lie on her side, preferably her left side. Pressure should not be applied either directly or indirectly to the abdomen while restraining the patient.”
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.
