Facts

Taycheedah Correctional Institution (TCI) is a women's prison in Wisconsin, and provided health care for its inmates.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Jenner & Block, on behalf of the prisoners, filed a class action suit against TCI, alleging grossly deficient medical and mental health care. Plaintiffs alleged that female prisoners' lives were jeopardized as a result of the prison's health system, causing them physical and mental pain and anguish. Plaintiffs further claimed that the health system violated the Eighth Amendment as cruel and unusual punishment, as well as the equal protection clause, because the women received inferior mental health care than what male prisoners were provided in Wisconsin. Plaintiffs also alleged violations of the ADA as well as provisions to ensure program access to prisoners with disabilities.

Result

The parties reached a settlement whereby state officials agreed to implement significant improvements in providing medical and mental health care to TCI inmates.