Woman restrained after C-section

An Indigenous woman was allegedly shackled at Townsville Hospital after delivering her baby via caesarean section on October ten while in custody. Prison officers restrained her in the maternity unit following the birth.

Newborn separated to intensive care

While the mother was restrained, her newborn was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit. Nurses and midwives escalated concerns about the use of restraints to Queensland Corrective Services.

Officials defend restraint as last resort

Queensland Corrective Services said it was reviewing the case because restraints are only ever used as a last resort on pregnant prisoners. The woman was not restrained during labour or surgery, Minister Laura Gerber said.

“A pregnant woman can only be restrained as a last resort due to public safety.”

Advocates demand national ban

Queensland MP Jonty Bush launched a petition to prohibit restraints during labour, childbirth and immediately after birth. The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union said restraints are traumatising and compromise care.

“There must be a national prohibition on the use of restraints in pregnancy, childbirth and post birth.”

Advocate questions what last resort means

Women's advocate Tahlia Isaac said last resort is undefined and depends on individual officers' judgement. She said restraints had psychological impacts on children trying to bond with their mothers, lasting for years.

“They're saying it's used as a last resort, but what does it actually mean?”