MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR NGOS 142 “It is axiomatic that babies should not be born in prison, and the usual practice in Council of Europe member States seems to be, at an appropriate moment to transfer pregnant women prisoners to outside hospital. Nevertheless, from time to time, the CPT encounters examples of pregnant women being shackled or otherwise restrained to beds or other items of furniture during gynaecological examinations or delivery. Such an approach is completely unacceptable, and could certainly be qualified as inhuman and degrading treatment. Other means of meeting security needs can and should be found.” CPT, GR 10, §27 Comments 5 Prisons are often hardly adapted to special needs of women and this situation affects both their physical and mental health situation. In addition, they may be vulnerable to abuse, including rape, by prison staff. The prison medical staff should therefore pay special attention to the conditions of women. Gynaecological care should be guaranteed. The special needs of pregnancy and motherhood should be specially taken care of and adapted. Reference points ■ Does the medical staff include a gynaecologist (working time and availability)? ■ What are the conditions of access to the gynaecologist? ■ Are the special needs of pregnant women taken care of? ■ Are the special needs of mothers with babies taken care of?