Senator Brownsberger submitted the following written testimony to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
I write in support of H1433/S1171, An Act to prevent shackling and promote safe pregnancies for female inmates.
This bill would prohibit the shackling of pregnant women in state and county correctional facilities during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery recuperation unless they present a specific safety or flight risk. It would also establish minimum standards for the treatment and medical care of pregnant inmates, including inadequate nutrition, prenatal care and services for managing high-risk pregnancies, to promote safe, healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Today, the Department of Correction and each county House of Correction has its own policy about shackling. We need one uniform standard that protects all pregnant inmates.
I hope that the Committee will report this bill favorably.