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Pregnant inmates may soon be guaranteed the ability to wave their arms or grip a bed post while they give birth. Right now prison guards, if they see fit, can handcuff the inmates while they’re in labor so the women don’t try to escape. Representative Betty Reed is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit guards from handcuffing in labor inmates unless there was a serious escape risk.

“I can imagine what it’s like to be handcuffed and not be able to move around freely because that’s what you need. You need to hit somebody or something. Just kidding, but you need to be able to have your hands and your feet free to move around,” said Reed.

Every year there are an estimated 80 babies born in prison. Since 2001 there have been no complaints from pregnant inmates about being restrained while giving birth.