Associated Press
NEW YORK — New York Gov. David Paterson has signed a bill that bans the use of restraints on inmates during childbirth, except when a woman poses a danger to herself or others.
A spokeswoman for the governor says that Paterson signed the bill Wednesday, making New York the sixth state to largely ban the use of shackles on women during childbirth.
The law allows a woman to be cuffed by one wrist while being taken from prison to the hospital only if needed to keep her from injuring herself, medical staff or correctional officers.
The practice of shackling women during childbirth has been condemned by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for unnecessarily risking women’s health.