Earlier this year, Utah joined 22 other states in prohibiting the use of shackles on incarcerated women who are pregnant during labor, delivery and postpartum recovery. In a corrections system designed by and for men, the health care needs of incarcerated women have been largely neglected for decades, including the barbaric practice of shackling women that continues in many states even after the practice has been denounced by several medical and human rights organizations.
Corrections officers are still permitted to make the call that the restraints are necessary if there is a significant threat to the inmate, medical staff or the general public, but are required to keep documentation of the circumstances warranting restraints during childbirth that will be available for public knowledge.
Other states have passed similar legislation, but the enactment has proven ineffectual for some, with women still giving birth in chains. While the legislation in Utah has passed and been signed by Gov. Herbert, we must ensure it is implemented and adopted to protect the rights, health and dignity of incarcerated women and their children.
Madeline Cooper, Centerville