After weeks of waiting in uncertainty and fear, my husband was finally transferred to a new yard. This transfer followed an attack by another inmate that left him injured and in need of medical attention. Instead of receiving the care and support he should have in the days leading up to his transfer, his treatment worsened. What followed was a situation that sheds light on the broken system of inmate care and a gross violation of his rights as a human being.
The Night of His Arrival: Inhumane Treatment
When my husband and his cellmate arrived at the new yard, they immediately asked the prison staff for mats to sleep on—something that seems like a basic necessity. Their request was not just ignored, but they ended up spending the night in a cell with nothing but metal bunks beneath them. No mats, no pillows, and only a thin prison-issued blanket that provided no comfort, warmth, or protection from the cold hard surface of the bunks.
Can you imagine that? You’ve just been transferred after a traumatic experience, you’ve been assaulted, and now you’re expected to sleep on metal?
A Denial of Medication and Medical Care
As if the inadequate sleeping arrangements weren't enough, the neglect continued in the form of improper medication handling. Upon arrival, my husband was not informed of the proper procedures for med call. Medication is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially in prison where many inmates suffer from health conditions that require routine care. In my husband's case, not receiving his medication meant more than just discomfort—it was a direct threat to his well-being.
Medical neglect like this not only shows a lack of care for human life, but it also violates his right to receive adequate medical care, which is guaranteed under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Eighth Amendment Violation: Cruel and Unusual Punishment
What happened to my husband is a clear violation of his Eighth Amendment rights, which prohibit cruel and unusual punishment. Denying an inmate basic necessities like bedding and medical care falls squarely under this category. The courts have ruled time and again that prisons are responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of those in their custody.
Yet, here we are—my husband and countless other inmates suffering in conditions that are inhumane and unlawful.
What Can We Do About It?
First and foremost, we must speak up. Silence allows the system to continue these abusive practices without accountability. If you are a loved one of an inmate or simply an advocate for human rights, here are steps we can take together to hold these institutions accountable:
File Grievances: Encourage inmates to file formal grievances within the prison system. These documents serve as a paper trail and can later be used in legal action if needed.
Contact Legal Organizations: Organizations like the ACLU, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Equal Justice Initiative often take on cases where inmate rights are violated. Reaching out to these organizations can provide legal support and push prisons to change their practices.
Raise Awareness: Public outcry can be powerful. Use social media, blogs (like this one), and other platforms to share stories of inmate mistreatment. The more awareness we raise, the more pressure we put on the system to change.
Know the Law: It's important to be aware of the laws governing inmate treatment. The Eighth Amendment and the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) outline specific rights inmates have, and these laws can be used to hold prisons accountable.
Write Letters to Officials: Writing letters to state or federal representatives, prison wardens, or even the Department of Corrections can sometimes result in action. The more voices they hear from, the harder it becomes to ignore these systemic issues.
My husband’s experience is one of many examples of how the prison system fails to uphold even the most basic human rights. This is why we cannot stop fighting—for him, for us, and for every inmate who is being mistreated and denied their rights. We need to hold the system accountable for its failures.
No one deserves to be treated like this, and I will continue to raise my voice until my husband and others like him are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Bible Verse for Strength:
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." — Psalm 9:9 (NIV)
Even in moments when the system fails, and injustice seems overwhelming, I take comfort in knowing that God is with us. He is our refuge and strength in times of great adversity. We must trust in His guidance as we fight for what is right.
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It is ridiculous to be treated this way! I understand he committed a crime but basic human rights are being withheld! The medicine should be given without question!!
ReplyDeleteIsabel, I completely understand your frustration, and I agree that it's absolutely unacceptable. No matter the crime, basic human rights, like access to necessary medication, should never be withheld. It’s infuriating when the system fails to provide proper care, especially for those who already struggle in an environment that can dehumanize them. Medical neglect shouldn't be part of anyone’s sentence, and it’s important that we continue to speak out about these injustices.
DeleteThank you for sharing your voice. It’s through conversations like this that we bring attention to the corruption and failures of the system.
I am so sorry your husband has to deal with all this. Medication is absolutely not a luxury it is a necessity. And the mat issue is ridiculous. I know they are inmates, but they should be treated better than they currently are.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendell. I truly appreciate your support and understanding. It’s heartbreaking to see him and so many others being denied what should be basic necessities. Medication is, as you said, not a luxury but an essential part of their well-being. The mat issue may seem minor to some, but when you’re in a situation like this, even the smallest forms of comfort can make all the difference.
DeleteIt’s hard to comprehend how these basic rights are stripped away in a place where humanity should still be recognized, no matter the circumstances. I agree with you—they deserve better treatment. I’ll continue to shed light on these issues in hopes of bringing about change.