WA settles with inmate shackled during childbirth

[Tx4obama]

Source: Associated Press (via HuffPo)

SEATTLE — The Washington Department of Corrections has settled for more than $100,000 with a former inmate who says she was shackled while she gave birth in 2007.

Casandra Brawley will receive $125,000 from the state to settle the lawsuit, which alleges Brawley was restrained as she gave birth to her son in a Tacoma hospital in 2007.

Brawley was serving time for drug possession, possession of stolen property and theft.

Cases like Brawley's prompted the state Legislature to pass legislation banning the shackling of female prisoners during childbirth.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20100519/us-pregnant-shackled/

[Canuckistanian]

1. I don't care whether she was an axe murderer...

A woman in labor is NOT a danger to anyone, nor is she a flight risk.

And denying comfort and mobility to a woman during a VERY painful time IS "cruel and unusual punishment".

Those guards should be fired - no ifs ands or buts.

[Tumbulu]

2. I know, every time I read about something like this

I just wail inside as giving birth was such a huge thing for me to do. I cannot imagine being shackled during it. And I cannot imagine how anyone can give birth in an airplane bathroom!