Problem:
Please say this more simply: Incarcerated women have the right to safe birth experiences that preserve their dignity and facilitate the best possible health outcomes. Shackling incarcerated women during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period is a cruel and inhumane practice that has negative physical and mental health consequences for women and newborns. Professional organizations such as ACNM, ACOG, AMA, APHA, and AWHONN have published guidelines regarding the practice of shackling incarcerated pregnant women. These guidelines should be used by nurses when they work with multidisciplinary stakeholders such as lawmakers, COs, and medical personnel to establish change, especially in states without any current legislation that restricts the use of shackles on incarcerated pregnant women. Comprehensive effective legislation is lacking and can protect these women if developed. Perinatal nurses and CNLs are uniquely positioned to come together as a collective voice and use their expertise and professional experience to advocate for effective and meaningful policy change in a variety of settings. Need Professional Help?