Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-29-2021
Abstract
The prison population of the United States is estimated at around 6,410,000 (Maruschak & Minton, 2018). Studies have found that access to healthcare for inmates is subpar with a lack of routine examinations and preventative care and an earlier onset and higher rate of chronic medical conditions than the general population. In addition to the lack of healthcare for all inmates, specific at-risk subpopulations are likely to receive even less healthcare support due to discrimination and “invisible” illnesses. This research explores the health care and support services available to an underrepresented and vulnerable group of prisoners: Female inmates, pregnant inmates, and transgender inmates. This project also addresses the discriminatory and biased practices and policies that have resulted in a lack of services and programs for these populations. The lasting personal and societal costs of inadequate support are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Ward, S. (2021). Healthcare in a Vulnerable Population: Female Inmates in the USA. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/psych_stuwork/19