Jackson County has taken an important step in the right direction to stop the unconstitutional practice of shackling pregnant women while they are in labor. Nearly eight months after Megon Riedel filed her lawsuit against Jackson County and three correctional officers, the case has settled. Ms. Riedel had been shackled, chained and transported by van nearly 200 miles across state while she was in labor. Ms. Riedel sued Jackson County and three Jackson County Detention Center employees. She was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri.
Under the terms of the settlement, Jackson County will pay dames to Riedel and implement written policies and procedures addressing the use of restraints and transportation guidelines for pregnant inmates and pre-trial detainees.
"Shackling and chaining a pregnant prisoner while she is in labor violates the Constitution. Not only is it cruel and unusual punishment, it jeopardizes the health of both mother and baby," explains Tony Rothert, legal director of the ACLU of Missouri. "The terms of the settlement represent a commitment from Jackson County to ensure that what happened to Ms. Riedel does not happen again."
To learn more, visit the case docket page.