Senate Passes Legislation Limiting Use of Restraints on Pregnant Inmates

Bill Requires Proper Nutrition, Care, and Bonding

Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Senate unanimously passed legislation limiting the use of restraints on pregnant inmates and allowing for postpartum bonding between the mother and her baby.

House Bill 608, “Dignity for Women Who are Incarcerated,” includes provisions that ensure pregnant inmates receive proper care and nutrition during their pregnancy and postpartum. The bill also requires correctional facilities to provide menstrual products to female inmates at no cost.

“Incarcerated pregnant women are under incredible stress, and science has shown that stress hormones such as cortisol can have lifelong impacts for an unborn baby. We also have learned a lot about the importance of mother-newborn bonding,” Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance) said. “It is imperative we ensure that all of North Carolina’s unborn babies have their best chance for a healthy life. This bill will increase the opportunity for an incarcerated woman to grow her bond with her newborn baby.

House Bill 608 now goes back to the House of Representatives for a final vote before going to Gov. Roy Cooper for consideration.