NCJ Number
238759
Date Published
2012
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This document presents a brief overview of the problem of shackling pregnant women and girls in held in correctional institutions.
Abstract
This brief issues overview presents the results of a study that examined the problem of pregnant girls and women in Florida's correctional facilities. The study found that a large number of girls who reported lifetime pregnancy had been pregnant while incarcerated. In addition, the study found that no legislation currently exists in the State of Florida to prohibit the use of physical restraints on pregnant women, even when they are in their third trimester. The study's findings suggest that on any given day, approximately 10 percent of girls and women incarcerated in Federal and State correctional facilities are pregnant. Since 2000, five States have passed legislation restricting the unnecessary use of restraints on pregnant women in prison. This document also briefly discusses Amnesty International's policy guidelines for incarcerated pregnant women.