The Virginia Catholic Conference, on behalf of the Diocese of Arlington and the Diocese of Richmond, supports the proposed regulations which would restrict the use of restraints on pregnant inmates.

Unnecessarily restraining prisoners during pregnancy and childbirth undermines the fundamental human dignity of the women themselves, as well as that of their unborn children. It also poses serious health risks -- the American Medical Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have both condemned the practice.

It is our hope that the Board of Corrections will adopt these regulations in order to guarantee a basic standard of dignity and safety for pregnant inmates within the commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Christopher Ramos

Associate Director

Virginia Catholic Conference