Medical Compassionate Release Debate

I suppose it depends on two things. First, whether you view the correctional system as punitive or as a means to protect the community. If the former, then release of disabled or terminal inmates will not be seen as socially acceptable, if the latter then release would be viewed as reasonable. Secondly, the pragmatists will argue that prisons cannot afford to provide this kind of care regardless of which side you fall on. Personally, I understand both sides but my reaction is that in today’s financial situation I would go with the pragmatic view and release if possible. The potential liability alone seems to justify this.

I also see both sides, howe ever, it seems to me that communities are not ready to manage the health care needs for this population yet. To release people without serious long term care consideration is a set up for failure.

I suppose it depends on the condition of the inmate. Correctional facilities, other than the Feds and some of the larger states, don’t have the resources either. I can’t offer a good solution…

sad but true… our nursing care facilities are failing and would not welcome more political heat over housing violent offenders (even if they were violent 50 years ago). it’s sad to see these guys dying behind bars, but they would not receive better care in society. in fact, i suspect they could easily slip through the cracks and end up homeless altogether.