Tennessee moves bill limiting shackles on pregnant inmates

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee lawmakers are advancing a bill strictly limiting the shackling of pregnant inmates. The bill would generally prohibit restraints of a pregnant inmate. More specifically, a pregnant inmate’s ankles, legs or waist couldn’t be shackled during labor or delivery. It also would not allow a pregnant inmate to be shackled behind the back or to be attached to another inmate. Some exceptions would allow restraints on a pregnant inmate who is a flight risk, poses a threat to self or others or has a classification level requiring shackles. In those cases, the bill says only the least restrictive restraints necessary should be used. The legislation still needs a House vote.