Deborah Ross, CEO of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care
On International Women’s Health Day, we pause to recognize the strength, resilience, and humanity of women everywhere, including women involved in the justice system, who too often face significant barriers to compassionate and quality health care.
At the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), we believe every woman deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, regardless of where she is. Health care in correctional settings should be clinically appropriate, trauma-informed, and centered on the unique needs and experiences of women.
Many women in custody have lived through trauma, struggle with chronic illness or substance use disorders, and have long gone without consistent access to care. Some are pregnant, some are mothers separated from their children, and many are navigating complex physical and emotional health challenges. These realities remind us that correctional health care is not just about treatment, it is about humanity, healing, and hope.
NCCHC remains committed to advancing standards that support obstetric and gynecologic care, breastfeeding, the nonuse of restraints during pregnancy, gender-diverse treatment, continuity of care, and thoughtful reentry planning that helps women successfully transition back to their communities.
Today, we also extend our gratitude to the correctional health professionals, custody staff, and community partners who work every day to care for incarcerated women with compassion and professionalism. Their efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
On this International Women’s Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to equitable, patient-centered care and to ensuring that all women, no matter their circumstances, are seen, heard, and cared for with dignity.
