§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department's policy is on the use of(a) handcuffs and (b) other implements of physical restraint on pregnant women under-18 when visiting hospitals from prison establishments. [55039]
§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 9 May 2002]: The current policy on the use of restraints on pregnant female prisoners is contained within Chapter 37 of the Security Manual (Prison Service Order 1000). All pregnant female prisoners (regardless of age) are subject to a thorough risk assessment before attending hospital for ante-natal checks and giving birth. This is done to assess any escape risks. This process allows the Governor the discretion not to use restraints where it is considered that they are unnecessary. In the exceptional circumstances that a female prisoner going to hospital to give birth does require restraints, they will be removed on her arrival at the hospital and not re-applied until her journey back to the prison. A copy of the Security Manual is retained in the Library.