We wish to comment on regulations being considered by you concerning shackling of pregnant women.

We strongly support such regulations that insure principled concern for women and children during pregnancy, labor, delivery and post-partum recovery.

In this regard, we are distressed to hear that women in the Commonwealth have been restrained during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or post-partum recovery and we join others in urging that correctional facilities be required to report on the use of such restraints, including the type of restraints used and the circumstances necessitating their use so that the practice is avoided when feasible.

We urge that restraint of pregnant prisoners be greatly lessened if not altogether eliminated."