Council Member Hudson introduces Resolutions 497 and 498
Hudson describes a pregnant woman who went into labor while handcuffed in Brooklyn Criminal Court. Resolution 497 would prohibit restraints during labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and custodial interrogations; Resolution 498 would allow postponement of court proceedings in late pregnancy.
Thank you so much, Chairs, for the opportunity to speak on two resolutions that this committee is hearing today.
Earlier this year, New Yorkers were confronted with the deeply troubling news of a pregnant woman who went into labor while handcuffed and awaiting arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court.
That incident raised urgent...
questions about how our justice system treats pregnant people.
Resolution 497 calls on the state to pass legislation prohibiting the use of restraints on incarcerated individuals during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery, and extends protections to pregnant people during custodial interrogations.
Childbirth requires the ability to respond to rapidly changing circumstances.
Restraints put both
the person giving birth and their child at risk.