Anti-Shackling (H 7551, S 2345)

In an effort to address a major human rights and civil liberties concern, legislation on behalf of the Affiliate, RI State Nurses Association and RI NOW was introduced to prohibit shackling or otherwise restraining incarcerated pregnant women during labor, delivery and post-recovery. It is unclear to what extent the State takes part in this practice as the Department of Corrections has thus far refused to release its policies on the subject. This preemptive legislation will ensure that the rights and dignity of pregnant women imprisoned at the ACI will not be violated.