Madison Reporter

Representative Lisa Subeck and Senator Kelda Roys, both Democrats from Madison, have reintroduced legislation aimed at restricting the shackling of incarcerated women during labor and childbirth. The practice involves using belly chains to tie a person's wrists to their waist and placing iron shackles on their legs. Since 2011, at least 40 women in Wisconsin have experienced this while giving birth. Research from Johns Hopkins University indicates that around 40 states have already enacted laws limiting such practices for pregnant women in custody.

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

The legislation was first introduced by Rep. Subeck and former Senator Lena Taylor, now serving on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, back in 2017 following reports of multiple incidents involving incarcerated women being shackled during labor at the Milwaukee County Jail. The bill also aims to ensure access to maternal support services, supplies for pumping breast milk, postpartum health care, and testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for 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 been representing the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus.