I wrote about this this morning over at LAist, but I think it’s worth mentioning again. A recent report showed that female inmates in L.A. County jails were requesting medical care and not being seen for days, weeks, or even months at a time. Statewide standards call for providing care within 24 hours.

I don’t know what’s worse - that, or the fact that, going against state law, women are being shackled during childbirth. Is it just me, or does that sound like a blatant human rights violation? Oh but wait, this kind of makes me feel better:

…a county hospital delivery nurse said “leg chains, which are heavy but long enough to allow the inmate to get to the bathroom, are often present during childbirth,” - Los Angeles Times

Right? I mean, it’s not like they can’t get to the bathroom - they just have to drag those heavy chains while experiencing contractions. That’s not so bad!

And as far as the kinds of things they need to be seen for? Yeast infections, hives, and…blood clots. Nothing serious.