Prison Operations Manual Women specific provisions Instruction M.03.02 Wähine/women and pregnant prisoners: • Wähine / women prisoners are accommodated in secure facilities separate from male prisoners and are managed independently of male prisoners. • Decisions made about imprisoned wähine / women must consider their unique needs and acknowledge their family / whänau circumstances as well as their cultural and personal histories. • Wähine / women in prison who are pregnant and/or in labour require special consideration when arranging temporary removal or when transferring to give birth. This includes consideration of the type of vehicle. • The health and wellbeing of the pëpi / baby must also be taken into consideration when planning temporary removals. • Pregnant wähine / women have the right to apply to the New Zealand Parole Board for early release on compassionate grounds (see M.03.02.Form.08 Early Release on compassionate grounds giving birth). • Mechanical restraints will not to be used on wähine / women who are 30+ weeks pregnant, are in labour, or remain in hospital with their pëpi / baby after giving birth. 72