The scandal of women handcuffed while in labour: I was so shocked when the restraints weren't removed'

"I was taken to hospital chained to an officer with handcuffs but assumed they would be removed at the entrance to the hospital. I was so shocked when the cuffs weren't removed. When I told the prison guards who had brought me to hospital about what the Birth Companions booklet said, they replied: We don't know what that book is, we're not going to abide by it."

"I was crying so much that my nose was too blocked to use any of the breathing techniques. I'm the kind of person who is good at researching my rights. So many people had told me during my pregnancy that I wouldn't have to give birth in handcuffs. I felt so scared. It was my first baby, I didn't know what to expect from birth and I wasn't a risk to anyone."

Joanna, a model prisoner serving time for a non-violent drugs offence, remained handcuffed and chained to a prison officer throughout 36 hours of difficult labour despite being informed of her right to be unchained during birth. She had prepared using hypnobirthing techniques and was provided information by the charity Birth Companions highlighting that handcuffing during labour was not permitted. However, when labour began on 30 December 2022, prison guards dismissed the guidance and kept her restrained throughout the entire hospital birth. The physical and emotional trauma prevented her from using any relaxation techniques, leaving her distressed and frightened during her first childbirth experience.

Read at www.theguardian.com