STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator THORPE (Victoria—Independent VIC Whip) (13:55): When I've told people in this place about my bill to end shackling during childbirth, people's reaction has been, 'Does this really happen? Surely not.' Well, it does right across the country and it's allowed by law. People are cuffed to the bed by an arm or a leg, and their legs can be shackled together by a chain.

Different jurisdictions have different guidelines, and loopholes are routinely used to justify this inhumane practice. No-one should ever give birth in shackles. What year are we in?

Seriously, there is no evidence of anyone ever posing a risk to others during childbirth without shackling. It just doesn't happen. If anyone's ever had a baby, they would know it's one of the most significant experiences someone can have in their lifetime.

All the parent is concerned about is their child's safety and their own. Being shackled while giving birth is dangerous both for the parent and for the baby. In some cases, it can lead to death.

The pregnant person can't move around, the doctors can't access the patient properly or move them. Any emergency procedure is delayed by having to shackle or unshackle the person. It can lead to haemorrhage and delay emergency caesareans among many, many other medical risks.

This is barbaric. Labor can now end this by supporting my bill, which bans shackling people during childbirth. I'm not just talking about blackfellas here; I'm talking about every person that is giving birth in prison.

We have to stop this torturing of people in this country. (Time expired)