Shackles

NPR junkie that I am... I was reading/listening to this story about how many women who give birth while incarcerated are often shackled to their beds while in labor (see story: Difficult Births Laboring and Delivering in Shackles - NPR.org)

Needless to say I was appalled. Since I have in fact given birth and those of you who know me know what a horrendous experience it was I couldn't help but wonder how much more difficult it could have been had I been SHACKLED to the bed by my wrist and ankle.

We could get into the debate on whether or not any of us would be in a situation of being incarcerated to begin with, but I feel very strongly that restraining a woman, any woman, while giving birth is inhumane.

I know you uber-conservatives (you know who you are) are probably saying, well she shouldn't have done XYZ, or murderers don't deserve special treatment, blah, blah, blah. Well according to the report some of the women were in jail for check fraud and retail theft, eons from heinous and yet still were shackled to their beds when they brought their children into the world.

The thing is, childbirth is one of those things that is completely indescribable. It is so unique to each one of us that even when moms share their birthing stories it is just that to the listener, a story, because their own experience is going to be so much different. No matter how many books you read or how much you prepare you really have NO IDEA what to expect when the time comes.

I realize that the women in the report violated the law, I in no way, condone law breaking behavior, but I can't help but think that those institutions that still practice this procedure are violating something greater. There are many women who feel their greatest accomplishment is having their children and yet there is a small group who are being punished for doing just that.

I encourage everyone to read/listen to this report it was very fascinating. Let me know your thoughts.

Greetings

Greetings and salutations!

Monica has officially entered the field of blogging. My blog entitled "Lifestyles of the Passive Agressive" was established because I am becoming bitter as I age and have decided to embrace my need to be cantankerous... in words... hence "passive agressive".

Those of you who know me would not describe me as passive agressive and for the most part I'm not. I am, however, much more eloquent in the written word than in real life. I plan to explore various topics and subjects via blogging and look forward to hearing from everyone.

But mostly I would like to address the passive agressive nature of others. Why do allow ourselves to act in this manner. I am not suggesting that we walk around and slap each other or curse each other (via most reality TV) but why don't we say what we mean and mean what we say?