Action | Amend Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups to add requirements on restraint of pregnant offenders |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 2/29/2012 |
Unless it is absolutely necessary, which I think it seldom if ever is, constraining prisoners during pregnancy and childbirth shows disrespect for the sacredness of human life and results in loss of human dignity.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association are on record as opposing the practice of shackling inmates due to the health risks it poses both to the life of the mother and her child.
The adoption of limitations would not seem to threaten safety: States which have restricted the use of restraints on pregnant inmates have no documented instances of women in labor or delivery causing harm to themselves, correctional staff or medical staff.
State-run correctional facilities have already enacted limitations on this practice; local and regional facilities should do the same.