Mass Incarceration is a Public Health Issue More Deadly than Covid

Abstract

Historically, mass incarceration has proven to be more dangerous and deadly than Covid. This statement is not meant to downplay the severity of Covid or disrespect those who have lost their lives due to the virus, as it has affected many in my own family. Instead, it sheds light on the detrimental impact that Mass Incarceration has had on communities across America. Given its deadly consequences, I propose that Mass Incarceration be addressed with the same level of urgency and intensity as Covid. It is time to acknowledge mass incarceration as a cancer in our society and take immediate action to address it. It violates the core principles of Bioethics and will not pass any ethical inspection upon closer scrutiny. The principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice are not adhered to with the epidemic of Mass Incarceration. When the principles of agency, social justice, and solidarity are added as Urban Bioethical Principles, how unethical mass incarceration is becomes even more evident. I propose a multidisciplinary approach, highlighting the use of credible messengers, as a means to reintegrate incarcerated people into society as well as reduce the rate of incarceration by addressing the specific causes.