Louisiana § RS 15: 744.3 - Restraint during childbirth
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15: 744.3 — Restraint during childbirth, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 15: 744.3. Restraint during childbirth
A. Restraints shall not be used on a pregnant prisoner while she is in labor and during delivery unless a member of the medical staff orders therapeutic restraints for a prisoner who, due to a psychiatric or medical disorder, is a danger to herself, her child, her unborn child, or other persons. For purposes of this Section, "therapeutic restraints" shall not include metal handcuffs or shackles.
B. No restraints shall be used on a prisoner known to be pregnant during any pregnancy-related medical distress, or while she is being transported to a medical facility or the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women for delivery or any pregnancy-related medical distress, or during postpartum recovery, unless there are compelling grounds to believe that the prisoner presents either of the following:
(1) An immediate and serious threat of physical harm to herself, staff, or others.
(2) A substantial flight risk and the prisoner cannot be reasonably contained by other means.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection B of this Section:
(1) If the doctor, nurse, or other health professional treating the prisoner requests, based on his or her professional medical judgment, that restraints not be used, the prison staff accompanying the prisoner shall immediately remove all restraints.
(2) If restraints are used on the prisoner, the type of restraint applied and the application of the restraint shall be done in the least restrictive manner necessary.
(3) Under no circumstances shall waist restraints be used on any prisoner during transportation to a medical facility or postpartum recovery.
Acts 2012, No. 761, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 15: 744.3
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15: 744.3 cover?
Section RS 15: 744.3 ("Restraint during childbirth") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 15: 744.3?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15: 744.3" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 15: 744.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.