NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             August 18, 2011

NARAL PRO-CHOICE VIRGINIA LAUDS BAN ON SHACKLING OF PREGNANT INMATES

Virginia Department of Corrections decision supports the health and safety of Virginia women

(Alexandria, Va) - Tarina Keene, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, issued the following statement today regarding the Virginia Department of Corrections decision to implement regulations prohibiting the shackling of pregnant inmates:

“At a time when many state elected officials are undermining women’s health in Virginia, we are pleased to see the Department of Corrections being a leader in protecting the health of Virginia women. We applaud the tireless efforts of Delegate Patrick Hope and others in fighting for these changes even after setbacks during this year’s General Assembly session. We also extend our gratitude to Virginia Department of Corrections Director, Harold Clarke, for seeing the value of this important policy. NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia is proud to have been a part of these efforts to expand commonsense health protections for all women of Virginia.”