Use Of Restraints On Pregnant Inmates To Be Restricted - WRIC Richmond News and Weather -

Use Of Restraints On Pregnant Inmates To Be Restricted

Posted: Updated:

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia Board of Corrections has tentatively approved regulations to restrict the use of restraints on pregnant jail inmates.
    
The board took the action Wednesday and will take a final vote in November.
    
Inmate advocates and law enforcement officials had been working with board members for months to draft language both sides can live with. The regulations would allow pregnant prisoners to just be handcuffed in front when being transported outside the jail, unless they pose a danger or flight risk. Waist chains would be prohibited.
    
The use of restraints during childbirth also would be severely restricted.
    
Legislation to restrict shackling of pregnant inmates died in the 2012 General Assembly, where a subcommittee decided to let the corrections board handle the issue.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.