handcuffing during childbirth

[splange]

I remember there was a political storm over Michael Howard justifying why female inmates should gived birth while chained (I think it was aroun '97) but can anybody tell me if this is still happening in this country or was the policy overturned. Thanks in advance.

[RevShirls]

Thankfully the policy was overturned.

[kempie]

Did they use leg-irons aswell?

[RevShirls]

I'm pretty sure it was just handcuffing.

[LoungeLizard]

The accusation was made mostly against Anne Widdecombe.

It is not true.

[spinchimp]

It was true - there were real examples of women prisoners in hospital being handcuffed.

[spinchimp]

And here is a link with more info:

http://www.prisonactivist.org/pipermail/prisonact-list/1996-January/000168.html

[inferno]

Sorry - you have to delete the </P> at the end of the address when you click on it.

[LoungeLizard]

This question was about 'giving birth while chained'.  This is not true.

Another question, not asked, was about chaining women prisoners who are attending hospitals; quite a different matter.

[Dom Tuk]

Would like to know if anyone was actually chained in this manner. What a dreadful thought. But cuffing during hospital visits of a routine manner could be argued if it was to prevent escape or harm to other members of the public. perhaps in 10 years time will will find the thought of house arrest without trial completely abhorrent. hope we do for all our sakes.