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SB 248

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A POLICY ALLOWING INMATES TO BE SCREENED FOR BREAST CANCER AT A HEALTH CARE FACILITY CLOSEST TO THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION WHERE THE INMATE IS LOCATED.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Somers

Connecticut bill requiring incarcerated women receive breast cancer screenings at nearest health facilities to improve preventive care access within correctional system.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#cancer #prisoners #women
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Bill Summary · SB 248

Legislative bill overview

SB 248 would establish a policy requiring Connecticut correctional institutions to screen incarcerated women for breast cancer at the nearest available health care facility rather than potentially transporting them to distant locations. The bill mandates that screening occur at facilities closest to where inmates are housed, streamlining access to preventive cancer care.

Why is this important

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women, and early detection through screening significantly improves survival rates. Currently, incarcerated individuals often face barriers to preventive health care due to transportation logistics and institutional constraints. This policy could improve health outcomes for a vulnerable population while potentially reducing long-term costs associated with late-stage cancer treatment.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational costs and logistics: Requiring screening at nearest facilities may increase transportation expenses or require contracting with multiple providers, raising questions about fiscal impact and implementation feasibility
  • Security and custody concerns: Moving inmates off-site for medical procedures creates security coordination requirements between correctional facilities and external health providers, potentially complicating facility operations
  • Scope and equity: The bill's focus on breast cancer screening raises questions about whether similar policies should apply to other preventive health services or screenings for other incarcerated populations (male inmates, other cancers)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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