Compassion in the Prisons

Each year about 100 convicts in California’s prison population of more than 135,000 request what’s called a compassionate release. Many of these appeals come from aged inmates; all come from men and women who have a terminal illness and only months to live or are suffering permanent and severe physical handicaps such as the effects of a major stroke. None of these people appear to present a threat to society. Their continued incarceration increases prison costs--already accounting for more than 8% of state general fund revenues--and aggravates crowding.

Legislation now before the state Senate would ensure safe compassionate releases for qualified inmates by standardizing what is now a haphazard and lengthy process. It would establish strict medical criteria and codify the authority of state correctional agencies. Similar measures have passed twice before but were vetoed by Gov. Pete Wilson.

Final action on the pending bill, which has the support of Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren, could come within days. If it passes, the governor should sign it. Doing so would make economic sense. On average, California spends more than $75,000 annually to care for each terminally ill prisoner, as compared to $21,000 to provide for a healthy one. And the state foots the whole bill for prisoners, including sick ones, while the federal government, through Medicare, would cover half the costs for those released.

Prisons are not designed as long-term health care facilities. Although criminals, even gravely ill ones, deserve little sympathy, judicious release of harmless, aged or severely ill convicts is an act of compassion that dignifies all Californians.