The Rebecca Project

[earthgirl]

Good news from The Rebecca Project for Human Rights.

Quote:

US Marshals agreed to end the routine use of restraints on incarcerated pregnant mothers during labor, delivery, and immediate post delivery. The US Marshals have also reformed the type of restraints to be used on pregnant mothers during transports. Any restraint that constricts the belly region of the pregnant offender will be prohibited. In the US Senate Judiciary Committee report for the committee passage of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) reauthorization, language included the prohibition of restraints and shackles on pregnant girls in the juvenile detention centers.”

From the Pushed Birth Blog

Mothers forced to give birth in shackles: article

Has anyone supported a woman in prison? My doula trainer volunteered at a prison supporting mothers (while in shakles).

[nicole_imes]

Holy cow, I had no idea!! What on EARTH would make them think that a women in truly established active labor would need restraints/try to escape??? Makes me think of the photos from the twilight sleep era!

[b'earth angel]

Well, desparate people will do desparate things to escape, but a shackle around the ankle or wrist should be effective enough in a laboring women I would 'think'.
I have never supported a woman in prison, but my oh my what an impact that could make on the mother. Kudos to those women who are called and have supported incarcerated women. They are angels in my book.