Treatment and Care of Incarcerated Females in Louisiana Correctional Facilities

This episode discusses a 2025 performance audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor evaluating the medical care and general treatment of incarcerated women within state and local facilities. The report reveals that local jails, which house the vast majority of this population, often lack the written procedures necessary to comply with state laws. Key findings highlight significant deficiencies in prenatal and postpartum care, including the illegal use of restraints on pregnant women and a lack of routine medical screenings. Furthermore, the audit identifies a lack of privacy and hygiene supplies, alongside fewer educational and vocational opportunities for women compared to men. To address these systemic issues, the auditor proposes several legislative recommendations and notes that a new, expanded state facility is expected to open in late 2025.