Feedback Needed

As your legislative representative I need some help from fellow AWHONN members.

National AWHONN is presently working on a position statement involving shackling incarcerated pregnant women. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 200,000 women are incarcerated in American prisons. Approximately 6% of women who enter American jails are pregnant. Many of them will go through labor, childbirth, and recovery with shackles around their wrists, ankles, or both. Most of these women are non-violent offenders. Amnesty International states restraining a woman in labor should only take place if it is believed she may attempt to harm herself or others, or if she presents a flight risk.

AWHONN is encouraging state legislatures to prohibit the use of restraints or shackles during labor.  New Hampshire has no laws to this effect. I am asking fellow clinicians about their experiences in dealing with laboring women who are incarcerated. Are they being shackled during labor? Are they in leg irons while being transported? Any information would be appreciated. NH averages over 100 inmates in their state prison. Please contact me at jd@dudleys.us.

Thank you all.

Jean Dudley