Activists in California have been pushing hard to pass a piece of legislation, California Bill AB 1900, that would outlaw the shackling of pregnant incarcerated women in CA prisons.
The bill was particularly good because it also covered shackling during transport to appointments as well as labor and delivery. It had overwhelming support, as most of these bills have had, but Governor Schwarzenegger decided to veto the bill.
It’s a big disappointment, but the good news is there will be a new Governor in California come November and folks can try again.
Read more in this op-ed from one of the advocates of the bill.
Radical Doula 
he did WHAT?? what could possibly be his reasoning? but I guess it wouldn’t matter if he’s leaving office. ugh. thanks for posting this.
From what I heard his reasoning had to due with jurisdiction over the group in charge of transport…but the advocates of course say it’s a bullshit reason for a veto. Can you imagine any bill that gets unanimous support? This isn’t the first time he’s exercised his veto though. Sigh.
it wasn’t that many decades ago when women were not allowed to vote, and the c-section rate is at 30% and climbing…shackled pregnant women represent the visual of female suffrage…may our hunt for justice remain strong!
That’s so disappointing. What rational could he possibly have had? I special thank you to the advocates who worked on behalf of the bill!