Delegate Mary Washington has announced that she will introduce Anti-Shackling Legislation in the 2013 session of the Maryland General Assembly. In her January issue of The Washington Report she says, “In October 2012, the National Women’s Law Center and the Rebecca Project for Human Rights released a report entitled “Mothers Behind Bars: A State-by-State Report Card and Analysis of Federal Policies on Conditions of Confinement for Pregnant and Parenting Women and the Effect on their Children”. The report explored the inhumane practice of shackling incarcerated women during childbirth and other important issues confronting pregnant and parenting women behind bars. The report reveals that the vast majority of women affected by these policies are non-violent, first-time offenders. According to their report card, Maryland’s policies and procedures regarding the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women receive a failing grade. This practice needs to change and I have drafted legislation to condemn this practice.” We are are looking forward to supporting Delegate Washington’s stand for human rights in Maryland. If you would like to read more about Delegate Washington’s legislative agenda, CLICK HERE.