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Bill

HD 825

An Act to ensure compliance with the anti-shackling law for pregnant incarcerated women

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christine Barber and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requiring enforcement of anti-shackling protections for pregnant incarcerated women during labor and postpartum care with compliance accountability measures.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 825

Legislative bill overview

HD 825 establishes enforcement mechanisms and compliance standards to ensure pregnant incarcerated women are not shackled during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery in Massachusetts correctional facilities. The bill creates accountability measures for facilities that violate existing anti-shackling protections and specifies procedures for medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Why is this important

Shackling pregnant incarcerated women during labor poses serious medical risks, including complications during delivery and impeded emergency medical response. Despite existing anti-shackling laws in many states, enforcement gaps mean some women still experience these practices, making this bill's compliance mechanisms relevant to actual implementation of stated protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of enforcement: Questions about how violations are investigated, who conducts reviews, and what penalties apply to non-compliant facilities
  • Resource implications: Costs associated with training staff, installing monitoring systems, and restructuring facility protocols for pregnant inmates
  • Definition precision: Whether the bill clearly defines "pregnancy-related care" and the specific timeframes when shackling is prohibited (labor only vs. extended postpartum periods)
  • Facility burden: Practical challenges for correctional facilities in identifying pregnant inmates early and implementing alternative security measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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