Politics & Government
Shackling Pregnant Inmates Barred In Ohio By Proposed Legislation
Two state senators have advanced a bill that would prohibit the shackling of pregnant inmates.
COLUMBUS, OH — Legislation barring the shackling of pregnant inmates unanimously passed the Ohio Senate this week. The legislation will now head to the Ohio House for referral to a committee and a future vote.
Senate Bill 18 would prohibit law enforcement, court or corrections officers from restraining a pregnant inmate during the entirety of her pregnancy. This would mean officers could not shackle a pregnant inmate during transport and for up to six weeks of postpartum recovery.
The legislation was introduced by state Senators Nickie Antonio, a Democrat from Lakewood, and Peggy Lehner, a Republican from Kettering.
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“I am very appreciative of all who support this legislation as a step towards ensuring incarcerated women in Ohio are given the dignity, health and safety they deserve,” said Antonio. “As public servants, we have an obligation to ensure that the people of Ohio are protected by the rights they are guaranteed in this country; this includes pregnant women who are incarcerated.”
Antonio and Kettering said evidence showed physical restraints are dangerous to mothers and their developing fetuses after the second trimester, as well as during labor and delivery. Specifically, shackling can delay doctors from providing necessary medical care, according to a report from the New York Times.
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“This bipartisan legislation is a great step towards protecting the health and dignity of pregnant mothers in our criminal justice system and their babies,” said Lehner. “I am grateful for the unanimous support from the Senate and hope for its quick passage in the House.”
The bill was supported by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitations and Corrections, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Ohio Judicial Conference, Ohio Commission on Minority Health, Office of the Public Defender, Ohio Catholic Conference and Ohio Justice & Policy Center, among others.
Senate Bill 18 will head to the Ohio House where it will be assigned to a committee.
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