Senator Arthenia L. Joyner, District 18 — Press Release

Senator Arthenia Joyner's Bill Protecting Pregnant Inmates Heads To The House For Final Passage

TAMPA - Female inmates, with rare exceptions, who are pregnant, in labor, or in recovery would no longer be subject to shackling under legislation sponsored by Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) was unanimously passed by The Florida Senate today.  It was immediately certified to the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 524, the “Healthy Pregnancies for Incarcerated Women Act,” would add Florida to the growing list of states that have enacted similar bans. Shackling of women during labor is already restricted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Marshals Service.

“Restraints on women during delivery pose a serious medical threat to both mother and baby,” said Senator Joyner. “While I understand concerns for security in dealing with incarcerated women, I want to ensure that the law clearly provides for humane treatment during this very special time when a mother gives birth.  I hope the leadership of the House of Representatives will concur with this philosophy and take up the measure and pass it this year.”

Under the legislation, shackling of pregnant women and those giving and immediately following birth, would be restricted in both state and local facilities. Exceptions to the ban would be allowed under extraordinary circumstances. Those circumstances would have to be documented in writing by the corrections official within 10 days of authorizing the use of restraints.