The lawsuit is still in its filing stage, but more and more women and family members are coming forward with tales of medical neglect, and wanting information about the suit.
The women have no prison medical facility, (something male prisoners have) only a licensed infirmary. They have no HIV medical specialists and only one gynecologist. The are also required to pay $5 for any medical attention. All these things are targeted in the lawsuit.
The prison administration, predictably, is retaliating, and the situation has got worse for many women. Women's medical needs continue to be neglected. Guards are writing women up who are unable to get out of bed to go to work. Marcia Bunney, one of the plaintiffs and a jailhouse lawyer, was released from her position at the prison law library in retaliation for her involvement in the case. Women have been threatened with moves to the new Valley state prison where there are no medical facilities. Several women with serious medical problems have already been moved there. The administration is also obstructing the women's lawyers; making them wait for several hours and then only giving them time to see one or two of their clients.
On July 8, a demonstration was held at Chowchilla. About 100 people turned out to listen to speakers, who included a former prisoner, and to show their support for the lawsuit and basic medical care demands. The Lesbian Avengers came out with a body bag to symbolize the state of women's medical care.
For more information about the lawsuit for better medical care and the compassionate release program, or to get involved, contact the California Coalition for Women Prisoners at 415- 255-7036, ext. 313, or 510-834-5657, ext. 3150.
Thanks to Judy Greenspan for much of this information.