Are women treated worse in prison?

I can't prove it, but I think so.

Gail, a resident of the Michigan prison system, this week called our attention to three different situations where it appears that appropriate health care is NOT being provided. Said she: There are so many women who are suffering with health care problems here that are so inhumane it just tears at my heart. Incarcerated women live under very harsh, uncomfortable, humiliating and demeaning conditions with rules of NO TOUCHING.

She went on to tell me about Donna, who suffered a bowel obstruction due to inappropriate treatment of symptoms, that leaves her now with an ileoscopy bag not properly cared for, and so she has a continuing problem of bleeding around the opening. A request for corrective surgery is ignored.

She told about Rita, who is totally disabled due to hip deterioration.

And she told about Mary, who continues to have serious issues as a result of cancer and the removal of both breasts, but who is refused treatment for continued pain and swelling of her hands and arms.

Lack of treatment is one problem.

Lack of interest by the Parole Board is still another problem. Many women could be out and receiving private treatment.

A third problem is that the women's facility in Ypsilanti keeps getting expanded even though already overcrowded, and the ladies report that the utilities systems cannot keep up with the expansion...especially water and septic. Nice.

Said Gail to HFP: THANK YOU AGAIN FOR GIVING SO MUCH OF YOURSELF TO HELP THOSE OF US WHO, UNDER THE D.O.C. MAKE IT NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO HELP OURSELVES, TRY AS WE MIGHT.

And we respond with a thanks to all of you who support us.

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