Prison Health Care Issues in Kansas and Ohio: The Perspective of Incarcerated Women.

Abstract

This article about women's prison-based health care reports quantitative findings from surveying 206 female prisoners and qualitative findings from 45 female prisoners interviewed in one prison in Kansas and three prisons in Ohio. Respondents expressed concerns about the availability of quality prison health care and the timeliness of attention to requests for assistance. Additionally, respondents identified administrative barriers to receiving quality health care within each state. The detrimental consequences of receiving inadequate care are poignantly described by some women. Suggestions are offered for improving the overall quality of prison health care for women and modifying procedures for obtaining such care.