Vermont § 801a - Pregnant inmates

§ 801a. Pregnant inmates

• (a) It shall be the policy of the State of Vermont to respect the unique health issues
  associated with a pregnant inmate. The Department of Corrections shall not routinely
  restrain pregnant inmates who are beyond their first trimester of pregnancy in the
  same manner as other inmates, recognizing that to do so might pose undue health risks
  for the mother and unborn child. (b) The Commissioner of Corrections shall ensure that all reasonable and appropriate measures
  consistent with public safety are made to transport a pregnant inmate in a manner
  that: (1) prevents physical and psychological trauma; (2) respects the privacy of the individual; and (3) represents the least restrictive means necessary for the safety of the inmate, medical
  and correctional personnel, and the public. (c) Unless the inmate presents a substantial flight risk or other extraordinary circumstances
  dictate otherwise, mechanical restraints of any kind shall not be used on a pregnant
  inmate after she has been declared by an attending health care practitioner to be
  in active labor. The inmate shall remain unrestrained after delivery while in recovery
  at the hospital. If restraints are used while the inmate is in labor or in the hospital
  during recovery after delivery, the Commissioner of Corrections shall make written
  findings as to the reasons why mechanical restraints were necessary to prevent escape
  or to ensure the safety of the inmate, medical and correctional personnel, or the
  public. (Added 2005, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.)