Use of restraints on pregnant women

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The use of shackles or restraints on pregnant women is a common practice in prisons and jails in the United States,^[1] but also documented in countries including Australia,^[2] Great Britain,,^[3] and Japan.^[4] Shackling refers to the use of physical restraints such as handcuffs, leg shackles, and belly chains on parts of an individuals body.^[5] The shackling of pregnant women commonly occurs while they are transported within a facility, transported to a hospital, and/or during and after childbirth.^[1] In the United States, pregnant migrants may also experience shackling while in immigration detention facilities.^[6]

Though medical professionals concur that pregnant women and babies under correctional custody face unique healthcare risks, custody policies often do not address their health and safety needs.^[7] Those in carceral facilities typically lack of routine prenatal care and adequate nutrition. There is also a risk of experiencing physical and emotional abuse, mental health issues, and untreated sexually transmitted infections.^[8] Specifically, shackling can threaten maternal and child health by increasing risk of falls, blood clots and other conditions.^[9]