Kentucky Prisons Refuse to Treat Hepatitis C

Because Kentucky prisons refuse to treat Hepatitis C-infected inmates, Kentucky inmates’ rights attorneys at Craig Henry PLC intervened recently in a class action against them.  We represent a woman incarcerated at Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women who acquired the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) over a decade ago.  Despite that, KCIW refuses to provide her treatment.  Our client seeks treatment not only for her but for all women incarcerated in Kentucky who suffer from HCV.

Studies estimate at least 10% of the prison population is infected with HCV.  In Kentucky, there may be as many as 9,000 infected inmates.  If left untreated, HCV can lead to end-stage liver disease and even death.  Luckily, in 2014, the FDA approved drugs that cure HCV at a 95% rate.  However, even with the knowledge of the size of the problem, the possibility of death, and the availability of effective medication, Kentucky prisons will not treat all HCV-infected inmates.

Kentucky prisons’ refusal to provide treatment also fails to acknowledge the fact that the large majority of inmates are released back into the general public.  HCV not only poses a serious harm to infected inmates, it may pose a serious harm to the general public when those inmates are released from prison.

If a Kentucky jail or prison denied you or a loved one treatment for the Hepatitis C virus, Craig Henry PLC offers a free consultation to discuss your situation and advise you of your legal options.

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