Re: Women in prison theme issue
Health of the incarcerated is an important, complex problem [BCMJ 2012;54:485-548]. I was very surprised that this special issue didn’t address the health of all jailed in BC, both men and women!
Health problems and their lack of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation are very similar for incarcerated individuals of both genders.
As the authors point out, women account for only about 10% of the prison population. Is it blatantly sexist to apparently ignore the other 90% just because they’re men? Did you miss that boat?
—Ken Dent, MD
Vancouver
Thank you for your letter. The BCMJ was approached by the guest editors with a proposal regarding a theme issue focused on the health of incarcerated women in BC. The Editorial Board certainly concurs that the health of all in incarceration is an important issue, and would be pleased to consider either a single article or theme issue on this topic for publication.
—ED.