Assembly Bill 568 (Skinner) would limit the use of shackles on incarcerated pregnant women to the least restrictive restraints possible.
Translation: It would end the use of belly chains, leg irons, ankle restraints and other barbaric shackling devices that are used on pregnant women in jails and prisons across our state. Yes, shackles reminiscent of slavery are still being used on pregnant women as far long as 8 ½ months.
Medical professionals agree that it’s time for a change. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) was so moved by this issue that they became co-sponsors of the bill. ACOG opposes the use of any restraints on pregnant women because it increases the risk of falling and leaving the pregnant woman, whose balance is already compromised, unable to break those falls.
When I tell my friends about the bill, their response is usually a quiet gasp followed by a confused expression because they are in disbelief. “We actually do that?”
http://my.firedoglake.com/rhrealitycheck/2011/10/03/widely-supported-california-bill-to-end-shackling-of-pregnant-women-in-prison-faces-possible-veto/The sheriff's dept. wrote the gov. a letter and I guess they find this practice necessary to do their job... So the gov. will most likely comply and not sign the bill that allows a long standing practice of doing this even while the mother is in labor.... You have to wonder about a prison system and a society that allows this practice against women....