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Medical Care for Individuals Experiencing Incarceration
Kerstetter, Jessica
Kerstetter, Jessica
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Thesis/Dissertation
Date
2023
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Urban Bioethics
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DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.34944/dspace/8496
Abstract
Lifetime incarceration within the United States has an incidence of 6.6%, thehighest globally. Within the United States, individuals experiencing incarceration are
among the few citizens who have a protected right to healthcare, as outlined by the
Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Yet, despite the promise for
adequate care, patients who are currently incarcerated or have previously experienced
incarceration continue to be included in the most vulnerable and underserved populations.
When bioethical principles, specifically autonomy and agency, are considered, it
becomes clear that there is a convoluted relationship between the healthcare system, the
correctional system, and the patient who must traverse both sides. Incarceration itself is
often associated with poor short- and long-term health outcomes, and patients who
currently or previously experienced incarceration can face bias when attempting to
navigate the healthcare system. It is imperitive to evaluate healthcare provided in the
prison systems as well as the associated outcomes because of the significant proportion of
the U.S. population affected by incarceration. This thesis explores the current status of
healthcare provided to individuals who are currently or previously incarcerated. In
addition, this thesis aims to identify disparities that exist within the provision of this care.
Lastly, it suggests potential solutions that would result in more ethical and humanistic
care provided to this vulnerable population.
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