Australian Senate Blocks Bill to Ban Shackling of Incarcerated Women During Childbirth

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe introduced a pair of bills in the Senate that would prohibit the use of restraints on women while giving birth and ban strip-searches of children. A vote on the measures was prevented after the Labor government and the Liberal-National Coalition each declined to allow the debate to proceed, citing that criminal-justice policy is primarily a state and territory matter.

The Guardian

The practice of shackling pregnant prisoners has been documented in Australia, though the only national data cited is from 2017, when 25 women gave birth while incarcerated. The rules were adopted unanimously but are reportedly flouted in many jurisdictions.

The Guardian

The Coalition added that it “understands the intent” of the bills but would not support their passage. Cross-bench leaders also weighed in: Greens leader David Shoebridge condemned the major parties for leaving the issue to the states, urging an end to “torture” of women in labour. Independent senator David Pocock criticized the government’s pattern of refusing support for cross-bench initiatives, calling it a threat to democratic health.

The Guardian

Senator Paul Scarr, a Queensland Liberal, broke ranks to label the practice “deeply concerning” and called for a national cabinet meeting to address the issue. He urged the prime minister to act, saying the matter should not end with the blocked vote.

The Guardian

• “In 2026 people can be shackled while giving birth, and children canalso have their clothes removed by adults to examine their bodies legally,” — Lidia Thorpe, independent senator

The Guardian

• “What I’ve heard deeply concerns me and I do hope that this vote shouldn’t be an end to this matter, we’ve got to do better than this and we’ve got to look at ways this issue can be addressed,” — Paul Scarr

The Guardian