Madison Reporter

“No mother should be restrained during childbirth, and no child should be born to a mother in shackles,” said Rep. Subeck. “Needlessly restraining women in labor is a dangerous and inhumane practice that should have been discontinued in Wisconsin long ago.”

Rep. Subeck and former Senator Lena Taylor, who was recently appointed to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, first introduced this legislation in 2017 after reports of multiple incarcerated women in the custody of the Milwaukee County Jail had been shackled while in labor. The bill also ensures that needed maternal support services, supplies for pumping breast milk, postpartum health care, and testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are accessible to incarcerated women.

“Access to critical maternal health care, including postpartum healthcare, should be provided to every new mother no matter where her baby is born,” said Rep. Subeck. “Protecting incarcerated new mothers from the harm and indignity of being shackled during childbirth and providing access to maternal health services and breastfeeding support ensures the best outcomes for the mother and infant during delivery and their futures.”

Rep. Subeck has represented the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and serves as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.