Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Corrections
 
Board
State Board of Local and Regional Jails
 
chapter
Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups [6 VAC 15 ‑ 40]
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
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2/17/12  11:54 pm
Commenter: Elizabeth Sussan

Regarding the shackling of pregnant prisoners
 

I support regulations that limit the use of restraints on pregnant inmates.
Restraining pregnant inmates poses an unacceptable risk to women's health
and to the health and safety of the fetus. Freedom from physical restraints
is especially critical during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Women frequently need to move around during labor and recovery, particularly
during the birthing process.

Restricting the use of restraints on pregnant women prisoners will not
jeopardize the safety of correctional or medical staff. Among the states
that have restricted shackling of pregnant inmates none have documented
instances of women in labor or delivery escaping or causing harm to
themselves, the public, security guards, or medical staff.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Sussan

CommentID: 23146