Department of Corrections Agrees to Place Limits on the Shackling of Pregnant Inmates

From: ACLU Virginia

ACLU and others lobbied for new rules to protect women during labor and delivery.

Richmond, VA – At a meeting this week with Delegate Patrick Hope and a broad array of advocates for women’s rights, reproductive freedom, prison reform, and health care, the Virginia Department of Corrections announced that it would be adopting new rules banning the use of restraints on female inmates during labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery.

The new policy will allow front-end handcuffs, but only during transport of inmates. Restraints may be used in other circumstances only when a determination is made that the inmate poses a danger to herself or others. Under any conditions, restraints must be removed if directed by medical staff.

Full Article at ACLUVA