Shackling of Pregnant Women in Prison

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The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) reports that incarcerated pregnant women in the U.S. remain shackled during labor, transport, and postpartum care, despite state bans. Shackling using handcuffs, leg irons, or waist chains jeopardizes maternal and fetal health by increasing risks of falls, birth complications, and delayed emergency care. Over 30 states restrict the practice, but vague exemptions (“security threats”) and poor enforcement allow it to persist. Black women, disproportionately incarcerated, face compounded harm due to systemic racism. 

EJI shares testimonies, such as a woman shackled while hemorrhaging postpartum, highlighting physical and psychological trauma. Medical experts condemn shackling as unethical, yet prisons prioritize punishment over care. Advocates demand federal legislation to ban restraints universally and urge alternatives to incarcerating pregnant people, emphasizing community programs that support health and family bonds. EJI stresses ending shackling as imperative for racial justice and human rights. 

-Urell, A. (2022, June 3). Shackling of pregnant women in jails and prisons continues. Equal Justice Initiative. https://eji.org/news/shackling-of-pregnant-women-in-jails-and-prisons-continues/

Comments

  1. KaleyApril 7, 2025 at 6:27 PM

    This was a through overview of the article, I like how In-depth you go into what types of women and just what incarcerated women are going through when it comes to postpartum care. No matter what the crime is, women who are carrying should be able to take care of themselves or the child without having to be handcuffed consistently. Overall, great work! I truly learned a lot from this.

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