Pennsylvania is poised to become the tenth state to restrict the shackling of pregnant women in labor or childbirth, once the governor signs the bill.
The New York State Commission of Correction has issued a scathing report on the death of a pregnant woman in an Onondaga County jail, finding that competent medical attention would have saved her life.
The American Medical Association takes a stand against shackling pregnant women in labor.
Washington becomes the seventh state to limit the shackling of pregnant women in prison.
Pennsylvania makes progress on bill to limit the shackling of imprisoned women during labor and childbirth
California’s legislature recently considered a bill that was at once both straightforward and groundbreaking. A simple adjustment to the state Welfare and Institutions Code would assist incarcerated youth with children of their own in being more effective parents, which would be a huge victory for reproductive justice advocates. SB 134 would achieve this by expanding the list of approved persons incarcerated young parents may contact regarding their children’s care while they are detained in state and county juvenile facilities.
Washington State could become the seventh state to enact a law limiting the shackling of imprisoned women during labor and childbirth; legislative hearing on Monday, January 18
As birthing choices are increasingly part of the public
conversation, pregnant women are increasingly empowered to decide what sort of care is right for their bodies and their child. Except for those pregnant women who are incarcerated.
The number of women in prison is growing at a staggering rate. We must include the challenges and issues incarcerated women face to reproductive health care access as we advocate for reproductive justice for all.
