California: Gov. Schwarzenegger Vetoes Ban on Shackling Pregnant Women

Earlier this week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed AB 1900, which would have banned the shackling of incarcerated women who are pregnant, absent a security risk. The bill was supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and had passed without any “no” votes in the state legislature. Here is a response from Karen Shain of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.

Ten More Things You Can Do

Earlier, I linked to The Nation‘s list of ten ways you can help fight mass incarceration. Here’s another top ten list, courtesy of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children. As always, readers are invited to contribute additional suggestions (just click “Leave a Comment” above). Highlights from the LSPC list:

5. Become informed about conditions of confinement and the movement against the prison industrial complex. Challenge those around you who subscribe to stereotypes about prisoners.

6. If you are an employer, consider hiring former prisoners for job vacancies.