Earlier this year, the Virginia General Assembly voted to leave the decision over whether pregnant prisoners should be allowed fewer restraints while being transported outside of jails to the Virginia Board of Corrections. On Wednesday the board approved restrictions to restraints on pregnant prisoners temporarily, until new regulations could be voted on in November.
If approved next month the restrictions will allow pregnant women to wear only front hand-cuffs during transport unless they present a specific risk of flight or violence. It would also limit the use of restraints during childbirth.
