Schumer Announces 'Human Rights For Girls Act', Which Abolishes The Demeaning & Dangerous Shackling Practice Used On Young Pregnant Prisoners In Correctional Facilities Across The Country; Legislation Protects The Rights Of Young Pregnant Prisoners By Banning The Use Of Restraints During Labor, Delivery, & Recovery

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today introduced the "Human Rights for Girls Act,' which protects the rights of young pregnant female prisoners by prohibiting the use of restraints on young women in juvenile correctional and detention facilities at all times during labor, delivery and post-partum recovery. Approximately 2,000 prisoners in correctional facilities give birth each year. Currently, twenty-one states, including New York, have laws against shackling pregnant inmates; however, these laws have unfortunately not stopped the demeaning practice from continuing. Schumer went on to say that this horrible, unlawful practice is not only dangerous to the prisoner, but can also be dangerous for the child because the restraints may interfere with the delivery. Schumer's legislation also prohibits states from using any restraint that prevents a young woman from protecting her stomach if she were to fall during the entirety of her pregnancy. Schumer is urging Congress to pass this legislation, as it will help protect the rights of female prisoners here in New York and across the country.

"Just because a woman is behind bars, doesn't mean she shouldn't have access to basic human rights. Placing shackles on a pregnant woman during or after labor and delivery is inhumane, and to hear that this practice is ongoing at correctional facilities across the country is distressing to say the least. Congress must pass the "Human Rights for Girls Act,' which will prohibit the use of restraints on young female pregnant prisoners, and ban the use of any restraint that prevents a pregnant inmate from protecting her stomach. We must put an end to this disgraceful practice and protect the rights of pregnant prisoners," said Senator Schumer.

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