Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women

Earlier this year, the Working Group to Enhance Services to Incarcerated Women in Philadelphia succeeded in getting a policy passed at the county facility banning shackling of incarcerated women in labor. This is a big first step; before the policy passed, all women in labor have been restrained. Currently, there are 36 pregnant women right now at the county facility:

Philadelphia Prison System
Procedural Directive
Administration

Effective: June 1, 2008

Subject: Use of Restraints on Pregnant Inmates

Policy Statement

Hospitalized pregnant inmates will not be restrained during labor and delivery. Escorting staff assigned to the detail will consult medical staff upon arrival at the treating hospital to determine the inmate’s condition. If the treating staff, conclude the inmate is in active labor or delivery is imminent, the assigned will remove restraints completely and will not restrain the inmate to a stationary object.

After the child is delivered escorting staff will consult the treating medical personnel to determine if the procedure is concluded and replace the restraints as per policy.

If for any reason the escorting staff are unable to remove the restraints or they believe the inmate must remain in restraints; they are to immediately contact the shift commander of the transporting facility to obtain authorization to continue restraint.

Louis Giorla, Commissioner

The Working Group to Enhance Services to Incarcerated Women in Philadelphia is continuing to work to expand the policy to allow for bonding, nursing and the critical need for movement after childbirth.