Prisons deny dying inmates end-of-life choices

Incarcerated individuals often lack control over their end-of-life care, as prisons frequently disregard established guidelines regarding patient autonomy. This can lead to decisions being made without the input of the dying person or their families. A recent case highlights this issue, where a terminally ill inmate was transferred back to prison from a hospital, and his family was denied access. This occurred despite the inmate's wishes to decline life-saving care and be with his family, illustrating a disregard for patient choice. Experts and advocates note that while guidelines exist for end-of-life care in prisons, they are often not binding, leading to correctional officers and medical contractors prioritizing security over the comfort and wishes of the dying.