EDITORIAL: An end to a barbaric practice
In another do-the-right-thing moment, the State Legislature has banned shackling pregnant prisoners during labor and post-delivery recovery. The bill, which passed almost two months ago, is being weighed by Gov. David Paterson.
It defies common sense that a woman under the watchful eye of officers in the hours just before and after having a baby is such a severe flight risk that ankle shackles, handcuffs or waist chains are a necessary precaution. Yet this has often been the state's practice. The bill also limits the use of restraints while a pregnant inmate is en route to and from the hospital. An exception is allowed if a restraint is needed to prevent a woman from injuring herself or others. That's reasonable, and it should be done as safely as possible.
Sometimes reason prevails - even in Albany. hN
