Labor and Coalition block bill to ban shackling pregnant prisoners
Both Labor and the Coalition refused to support a bill. The bill would have banned shackling incarcerated women during labour.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe introduced a bill to ban restraining pregnant prisoners during childbirth. The Labor government said criminal justice is a state and territory responsibility.
They did not support the bill. The Coalition said it understands the intent.
But it will not support the bill. A Queensland Liberal senator, Paul Scarr, broke ranks.
He said he was deeply concerned. The UN adopted the Bangkok Rules 15 years ago.
These rules say restraints should never be used on women during labour or right after. Yet they are regularly ignored worldwide.
Only 2017 data exists on Australian prison pregnancy. It showed 25 women gave birth while in custody.
Greens leader David Shoebridge criticized both major parties. He said they left the matter to states instead of banning it across the country.
- 25
- Women who gave birth in custody
- 2017
- Year of data
- 15 years ago
- UN Bangkok Rules adopted
- Paul Scarr
- Breaking Liberal senator
Why it mattersWomen in Australian prisons can legally be shackled while giving birth. UN rules oppose this practice. But neither major party is willing to end it.
AustraliaAffects the rights and treatment of incarcerated pregnant women in Australian prisons, which remain under state and federal jurisdiction.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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