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Bill

HB 475

Regulate restraints on women while giving childbirth

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Reavis

Montana prohibits physical restraints on laboring women except in documented emergencies, protecting maternal bodily autonomy and dignity during childbirth.

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Bill Summary · HB 475

Legislative bill overview

HB 475 restricts the use of physical restraints on women during labor and childbirth in Montana healthcare facilities, except in narrowly defined emergency circumstances. The bill establishes standards for when restraints may be used and requires documentation and notification procedures when they are applied.

Why is this important

Medical restraint of pregnant women during labor raises significant concerns about bodily autonomy, maternal dignity, and potential complications during childbirth. This legislation addresses documented cases where restraints have been used on incarcerated or vulnerable populations, establishing protective standards that affect healthcare practices statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "emergency" exceptions – The bill's definition of circumstances permitting restraint restraint may be interpreted differently by medical providers, creating inconsistency in application and potential disputes over what qualifies as medically necessary
  • Implementation and enforcement – Healthcare facilities may face compliance costs and liability concerns; unclear enforcement mechanisms could limit practical effectiveness
  • Interaction with criminal justice – Tension exists between protecting maternal rights and accommodating law enforcement needs for incarcerated pregnant women, potentially creating conflicts between health and security priorities

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

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