The situation
Real talk: the vibes are currently off in Australia’s justice system. An incarcerated Indigenous woman was recently shackled to her hospital bed while in labor in Queensland. According to Debbie Kilroy, the CEO of the advocacy group Sisters Inside, the woman gave birth via C-section to a premature baby and spent time shackled while in the hospital. Hospital staff reportedly tried to get the restraints removed, with some even crying because prison officers refused to budge.
How we got here
This isn't just an isolated case—it's part of a much wider issue. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe recently introduced bills in the Senate to stop the shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth and to ban the strip-searching of children.
Even though Australia has signed on to the UN's "Bangkok rules," which strictly forbid using restraints on women during labor, birth, and immediately after, the practice is still happening. The Albanese government argued that criminal justice is a matter for individual states and territories, effectively punting the responsibility. Meanwhile, the Coalition said they understood the bill's intent but ultimately wouldn't back it.
The fallout
Senator Thorpe didn't hold back, calling the government's decision to leave this to state jurisdictions "a joke." She pointed out that they have the constitutional power to set a national standard but are choosing not to. While most of the Coalition held the party line, Queensland Liberal Senator Paul Scarr broke ranks, stating he was "deeply concerned" and plans to take it up with the Queensland attorney general.
A Queensland corrective services spokesperson confirmed the incident occurred and stated it is under internal review, claiming restraints are meant to be a "last resort" for public safety.
Why it matters
It’s giving systemic failure. This case highlights a major L for human rights in the justice system. Advocates argue that shackling women during childbirth is a barbaric, traumatic practice that puts the health of both mother and baby at risk, yet the people with the power to stop it are currently choosing to let it stay on the books.
