Mass. Senate Approves Anti-Shackling Bill

State House News Service reports:

The Senate approved legislation Thursday aimed at preventing the shackling of pregnant inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities. Sen. Karen Spilka said the bill (S 2063) would also make sure that women in prison, who she said often have high-risk pregnancies, receive medical screenings and assessments and nutrition and post-partum counseling.

The passage comes a month after Gov. Deval Patrick issued emergency regulations banning restraints on pregnant inmates in labor. He also urged the Legislature to send him pending legislation that would make his ban the law.