Words For Warfare

I am a new mother to two children, born to me in the full dignity of how all of us as mothers want to bring our children into the world. I remember the intense joy of bringing life forward as my husband and family circled me, offering constant love and solace. My babies were brought into the world with all the honor, love and sacredness that every new life deserves.

Yet there is almost nothing sacred about how mothers behind bars give birth to their children. In most state prisons and jails, restraints are routinely used on pregnant women, including when they are in labor and when they deliver their babies. Only three states — California, Illinois and Vermont — have legislation regulating the use of restraints on pregnant women.

On this Mother’s Day, let us make a promise to all our mothers — especially those mothers behind bars, like Arnita — that we recognize their humanity, that we honor how women struggle and suffer, that we affirm the sacredness of all births and the need for all mothers to have the chance to give birth and raise their children with dignity, and that we end the unnecessary and cruel practice of shackling pregnant women.

--- Malika Saada Saar