Prison Medical Contractors Must Face Lawsuit Over Stillbirth

Employees of a private contractor that provides medical services to detention facilities aren’t entitled to immunity from a lawsuit alleging inadequate care led to a New Mexico prisoner’s stillbirth, the Tenth Circuit said.

Shawna Tanner’s water broke when was about 35 weeks pregnant in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County. Tanner says medical staff employed by Correct Care Solutions LLC ignored and minimized her symptoms, refused to transport her to a hospital, and failed to conduct a pelvic examination. They allegedly only gave her water, Tylenol, and sanitary pads.

After 30 hours of labor, paramedics delivered Tanner’s ...