14 May 2008
In most of our state prisons, pregnant women are shackled while giving birth, a fact that I did not know. Most mothers behind bars are restrained during labor, delivery and post-delivery as a matter of routine practice in our nation’s jails and prisons. What a cruel practice! In addition to being cruel, it’s a hazard to the mother and the infant. The majority of women in prison are there for nonviolent offenses. Only three states have legislation regulating the use of restraints on pregnant women and in those states. there have been no cases of mothers in labor or delivery escaping or causing harm to anyone. It makes me angry to live in a country that has such archaic rules for women in prison.
It’s time that there is prison reform for women who give birth behind bars. Lets improve the conditions of confinement for pregnant mothers. Most of the state prisons and jails are not giving basic dignity, protection and health to incarcerated mothers and their children.
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