Lack of Medical Care in Federal Prisons Leads to Inmate Deaths

At least 1 in 4 inmate deaths in federal prisons occur at the Butner Federal Correctional Complex in North Carolina, which houses the Bureau of Prisons' largest cancer treatment facility. An investigation by NPR reveals that many inmates across the country are not receiving timely medical care, with some waiting months or even years for treatment. Delays in care, staffing shortages, and issues within the prison system contribute to preventable deaths. The Bureau of Prisons claims to meet medical standards but NPR found that its certification lapsed two years ago. Inmates, families, and experts argue that federal inmates, who have a constitutional right to healthcare, are dying more often than they should.