Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick in late February signed emergency regulations banning shackling of inmates in labor for 90 days. A bill to permanently ban the practice is in committee.

Law alumna Hilary Detmold criticized the state's shackling policies in a Rappaport Briefing commentary as a student in July 2012. 

In her commentary, "Safe pregnancies for incarcerated women: Why both parties should support anti-shackling legislation," Detmold pointed out that Massachusetts was one of seven states to come under fire from the National Women’s Law Center for outmoded shackling policies.

She argued that “civil rights organizations as well as conservative, pro-life groups can unite in supporting the protection of women and children in safe pregnancy and delivery” as she urged support of a bill then in the Massachusetts House.

Detmold is now an associate practicing in the Labor and Employment Law Department of Deutsch Williams Brooks DeRensis & Holland, P.C. in Boston.

The Rappaport Briefing offers a collection of student commentaries on issues confronting state and local government in Massachusetts, from the minimum wage to health care costs.

The briefing blog, created by the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service at Suffolk University Law School, also presents news about Rappaport Center activities.