Opened the debate
Thorpe argued that the bill was necessary to end the practice of shackling people during childbirth, which she described as medically harmful and inconsistent with international law. Thorpe stated that existing jurisdictional policies often contained exemptions that allowed the practice to continue, necessitating federal intervention. Thorpe claimed that there was no evidence supporting the assertion that shackling prevented escape or reduced harm during delivery. Thorpe further argued that restraints interfered with medical assessment and could lead to severe complications, including death or permanent brain damage for the baby.