When the word “prison” or “prison” is mentioned in a group conversation, participants probably imagine images of misery. lack of freedom and a place that is a gathering place for criminals who are not welcome in normal society. Although this type of imagery is not unexpected, it is normal and quite worrying. especially from the perspective of contemporary human rights and penology. Because health or quality of life is a basic right of everyone, regardless of where they live, punishing offenders by limiting their freedom should not go beyond creating restrictions on their way of life. It is difficult for the condemned because the mere restriction of freedom is itself a punishment. At the same time, the environment within the prison is an important condition that can determine the quality of life of prisoners as well as their opportunities for self-development after release. As such, the negative image of the prison is a mirror reflecting the world behind the walls, telling outside society that the area is a twilight zone that needs development. This is not only for the members of that area but also In order to guarantee the quality of life of society as a whole.
Among the various difficulties that prison people have to experience throughout their imprisonment. Sexual rights and health issues are among the areas that have been increasingly discussed in recent times. Gender-diverse prisoners in prison were forced to cut their hair short like male prisoners and were deprived of the right to take estrogen. There is a shortage of sanitary napkins and limitations in midwifery, as well as an environment that is not conducive to raising children of prisoners as they should. These are all scenes that reflect that “Reproductive health rights” in prisons are an issue that must continue to be given increasing importance. Because such rights not only cover all aspects of health related to the human reproductive system, including the freedom to decide on family planning. But it is also part of human rights. When the quality of life of prisoners is inconsistent with their reproductive health rights, the legitimacy of human rights and modern penology is lost. Rehabilitating behavior through giving prisoners the opportunity to live in an environment conducive to long-term self-development is not the same thing as suggesting gender identity and invading a prisoner’s body in the process of seizing contraband. Definitely not allowed inside the prison.
From the words of the inmates Violations of reproductive health rights begin in the process of accepting new members of the world behind the wall: at certain times new prisoners are confiscated for drugs. electronic equipment and other types of prohibited things by using the hand to insert into the genitals (for female prisoners) or anus (for male prisoners) before being ordered to expose their bodies in a less intimate location to confirm the absence of prohibited items Then while living in prison Overcrowding in facilities and limited prison resources mean that inmates must maintain a routine. Personal in a hurry There are limited opportunities to cleanse the internal organs of the body and to receive treatment that meets the standards of outside society when illness occurs. At the same time, many prisons are designed to accommodate male inmates. Female prisoners, especially those who play the role of mothers of young children, and transgender prisoners are therefore among the groups whose reproductive health rights are most violated. This can be seen from the fact that the pregnancy food that the government provides is subject to budget constraints. A short rest after giving birth at the hospital Limited time spent with children due to the prison workload assigned to inmates as well as prohibiting transgender prisoners from taking sex hormones voluntarily. These are all part of the experience of restricted reproductive health rights that prisoners or mothers of young children face behind prison walls. Regardless of whether they have the status of an absolute prisoner or a pretrial detainee.
Even the experiences of the prisoners described above may be seen as what those who violate the rules of society deserve. But in another aspect The substandard reproductive health quality of life in prisons is not only a violation of human rights but also affects the mental state of prisoners and the long-term development of children living with prisoners. This effect is interesting to see whether it is a condition of recidivism rates that increase over time after the release of prisoners and the process of becoming offenders of formerly incarcerated children and youth. Nor does it count that many cases of detention have been questioned about their legitimacy and proportionality with the circumstances of society. For this reason, the author is of the opinion that the Thai correctional system should be developed according to the guidelines presented by various sectors. It begins with clearly categorizing the circumstances of the offenses in various cases. This is to limit detention measures to being used mainly in cases of serious crimes. Then consider releasing minor offenders quickly to reduce overcrowding, which is the cause of a lack of resources within the prison. Along with increasing the correctional budget to create standards.
Work performance is consistent with human rights of staff and promotes the quality of life regarding reproductive health of prisoners. In addition, issuing measures to encourage society to have a positive attitude towards former offenders is another important part that can build immunity from various conditions so that they do not repeat their crimes after being released from prison. When this happens, Thai society will be more peaceful and safe based on respect for reproductive health rights as part of human rights.< br><br>
Family Planning Association of Thailand (IPST) under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra Boromarajonani It has been working in the field of sexual and reproductive health rights for over 50 years, aiming to promote sexual and reproductive health rights so that the population can have a good quality of life. IPST intends to develop partnerships and mobilize resources with the organization. various To support education and access to services regarding sexual and reproductive health rights. Especially in groups that lack opportunities Vulnerable groups, marginalized groups, distant groups and groups that are difficult to reach under the concept of “Leave no one behind”
If you are interested, please contact. rpd.ppat@gmail.com to discuss further
Reference list
Thai Publica. (1 February 2018). “Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution ‘Model prison’ Bangkok regulations” return good people to society
Sustainable. https://thaipublica.org/2018/02/bangkok-rules-changmai-prison-model/
UNDP Thailand. (20 May 2019). The life of transgender prisoners in Thai prisons. Medium.
Voice TV. (March 7, 2017). Talking with 4 women who passed through prison during the NCPO era. https://www.voicetv.co.th/read/468315
Srimuang Printing Company Limited. (January 2007). Reproductive-Rights-The-Key-to-Women-s-Health.pdf. Bangkok.
Panasaya Sitthijirawattanakul. Prison society from the testimony of students accused of political crimes. Thammasat Journal 40, Ch. 3 (2021): 191-202. http://tujournals.tu.ac.th/thammasatjournal/detailart.aspx?ArticleID=7925
Prachathai. (8 April 2023). National Health Commission Propose corrections to amend laws that impede access to the right to use hormones for transgender prisoners. Prachatai Prachatai.com. https://prachatai.com/journal/2023/04/103556
Somkid Phutthasri, & Kantheera Phuriwikrai. (M.P.P.). Women, mothers and children: “victims” that the Thai justice system does not see – Chonthit
Very refreshing. Thailand Institute of Justice. https://knowledge.tijthailand.org/article/detail/3
