The Mississippi House passed a bill Tuesday that’s designed to help women who are pregnant or give birth while in jail or prison.
House Bill 196 is called the “Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act.”
It says leg restraints and handcuffs could not be used on an inmate who is pregnant or in labor unless a jail or prison employee believes she may harm herself, the fetus or any other person, or unless she is believed to be a flight risk.
The bill also says pregnant inmates must be provided proper nutrition and dietary supplements, and they may not be assigned to upper-level bunk beds.