Missouri push to ban shackling of pregnant women in jails

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A Missouri bill would require all city and county jails to develop specific intake policies for pregnant women. 

Under Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, all county and city jails shall be prohibited, except in necessary circumstances, from using restraints on a pregnant offender in her third trimester, including during transportation or labor. 

The legislation also would require all city and county jails to develop intake policies for pregnant women by Jan. 1, 2026, that include mental health evaluations, prenatal vitamins and a nutritious meal plan that includes an increased calorie intake. 

“What Representatives are looking at is to make sure that if a pregnant inmate were to fall, they would have some way to brace themselves so the baby wouldn’t be harmed by the mother’s injury,” said Buchanan County sheriff Bill Puett.  

The bill would also restrict the use of restraints during the first 48 hours postpartum and prohibit placing women in solitary confinement during the first six weeks, when the risk of postpartum depression is higher. 

Only a few jails across the state have implemented policies that mirror this legislation, while most have not—prompting lawmakers to take action. 

As with all inmates, pregnant individuals are restrained during transport for security reasons, including to prevent harm to themselves or others. 

“The interesting thing is, whether it’s sickness, injuries, pregnancy—anything like that—where we would normally think inmates would act accordingly, sometimes we have seen them be physically violent, assaultive, or they try to flee,” said Puett. “They'll do all kinds of things because their desire to flee or escape is greater than their concern for their health or their child's health. So, we still have to maintain the level of safety and security for the community, staff, and even for the inmate themselves.” 

In Buchanan County, pregnant offenders and inmates are restrained during transport to and from jail; however, officials ensure that jail staff assist them properly and provide the necessary medical care. 

Senate Bill 50 is scheduled for a hearing with the Missouri House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee on Wednesday, April 16.