Competing Health Needs

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An observational study was constructed through interviews with thirty-five women who had experienced prison. The study showed a lack of contraception, abortion, and over the counter medication for menstrual pain. Sexual and reproductive health were said to be overlooked and taken less seriously to the point prisoners quit asking for medical attention for smaller issues. One lady stated, “Like you can barely get a Tylenol in there let alone birth control or abortion”. This led to the conditions worsening and possibly turning into medical emergencies. This also led to an increase in post release medical needs. Another lady commented “Because the doctor is also the methadone doctor too so when she comes on Wednesdays, she also has to see the 25 people on methadone or suboxone.” These women reported the treatment being more focused on substance abuse recovery, especially for opioid addiction. This prevented the doctors from providing the sexual and reproductive health care the women needed

Paynter, M.J., Heggie, C., Mcleod, A. et al. Abortion and contraception within prison health care: a qualitative study. BMC Women's Health 25, 34 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03523-z

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