Prisoner allegedly shackled, separated from newborn after C-section

Key points

• Queensland Corrective Services officers allegedly restrained an Indigenous woman in the maternity unit at Townsville Hospital after she gave birth by caesarean section on October 10 while in custody. Her newborn was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit and the two were separated.
• Corrective Services says the woman was not restrained during labour or surgery, and that restraints on pregnant prisoners are only used as a last resort. The department is reviewing her care.
• Nurses and midwives raised concerns, and a petition seeks a ban on restraints during pregnancy and childbirth.