My husband, a victim of stage 4 kidney cancer, faces an unjust system as his condition worsens. Having metastasized to his lungs and brain, his health rapidly deteriorates. Despite numerous hospitalizations, he has been granted the opportunity to make only one phone call. Now, as he is transferred to hospice, the gravity of his situation becomes more dire, yet communication remains heartbreakingly limited.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has the power to provide a dignified end for terminally ill incarcerated individuals through compassionate release. This process is crucial not only for the individuals who face impending death but also for their families, who wish for nothing more than to spend precious final moments together. However, the current system is plagued with delays and a lack of transparency.

Timely granting of compassionate release is critical, yet countless families endure agonizing waits with minimal communication. This is not just a bureaucratic issue; it is a deeply personal crisis impacting the emotional well-being of families and incarcerated individuals alike. Compassionate release should be a humane response to terminal illness in the incarcerated population, allowing for dignity and family unity during one's final days.

Further, individuals hospitalized during this process should be allowed to maintain regular contact with their loved ones. The isolated nature of hospitalization, combined with the weight of a terminal diagnosis, demands broader communication rights. Enabling incarcerated individuals to make phone calls while hospitalized is not just a courtesy but a necessity that can provide emotional support and reassurance.

We urge the CDCR to take immediate action: to expedite the compassionate release process for terminally ill inmates and enhance communication transparency throughout. Additionally, during hospitalization, enable incarcerated individuals to connect with their families through phone calls.

Please join this movement to bring humanity and justice to those who are suffering within the correctional system. Sign this petition to demand changes that honor dignity and compassion in the face of terminal illness.