Hysterectomies at Georgia ICE detention facility

Overheal

A whistleblower complaint filed Monday details a series of abuses at an ICE detention facility in Irwin County, GA, including abysmal Covid-19 safety practices, squalid conditions and lapses in medical care. However, the most egregious claim is a high number of hysterectomies being performed there, often without the patients understanding why the procedure has been performed. All of which are performed by the same outside doctor. Per the nurse, Dawn Wooten:

Wooten wrote:

Everybody he sees has a hysterectomy—just about everybody. He’s even taken out the wrong ovary on a young lady [detained immigrant woman].

She was supposed to get her left ovary removed because it had a cyst on
the left ovary; he took out the right one. She was upset. She had to go back
to take out the left and she wound up with a total hysterectomy. She still
wanted children—so she has to go back home now and tell her husband
that she can’t bear kids… she said she was not all the way out under
anesthesia and heard him [doctor] tell the nurse that he took the wrong
ovary.

Wooten wrote:

“I’ve had several inmates tell me that they’ve been to
see the doctor and they’ve had hysterectomies and they don’t know why they went or why they’re going.” And if the immigrants do understand what they’re getting done, “some of them a lot of times won’t even go, they say they’ll wait to get back to their country to go to the doctor.”

Wooten wrote:

We’ve questioned among ourselves like goodness he’s taking everybody’s stuff out…That’s his specialty, he’s the uterus collector. I know that’s ugly…is he collecting these things or something...Everybody he sees, he’s
taking all their uteruses out or he’s taken their tubes out. What in the
world.

also per the complaint:

Intertwined with the issue of the reported high rates of hysterectomies is the issue of proper informed consent. Regarding the hysterectomies, Ms. Wooten explained: “These immigrant women, I don’t think they really, totally, all the way understand this is what’s going to happen depending on
who explains it to them.” Ms. Wooten stated that the sick call nurse tries to communicate with the detained immigrants and speak Spanish to detained immigrants by simply googling Spanish or by asking another detained immigrant to help interpret rather than using the language line as medical staff
are supposed to.

One detained immigrant reported to Project South that staff at ICDC and the doctor’s office did not properly explain to her what procedure she was going to have done.98 She reported feeling scared and frustrated, saying it “felt like they were trying to mess with my body.” When she asked what was being done to her body, she was given three different responses by three different individuals. She was originally told by the doctor that she had an ovarian cyst and was going to have a small twenty-minute procedure done drilling three small holes in her stomach to drain the cyst. The officer who was transporting her to the hospital told her that she was receiving a hysterectomy to have her womb removed. When the hospital refused to operate on her because her COVID-19 test came back positive for antibodies, she was transferred back to ICDC where the ICDC nurse said that the procedure she was going to have done entailed dilating her vagina and scraping tissue off. The nurse first told the detained immigrant she was going to get this procedure done because she had heavy bleeding, but then told her it was because she had a thick womb. The woman quickly responded that she never had heavy bleeding in her life and was never told by the doctor that she had a thick womb. Instead she stated that the doctor had described an entirely different procedure that did not involve scraping her vagina. She stated: “I tried to explain to her that something isn’t right; that procedure isn’t for me.” The nurse
responded by getting angry and agitated and began yelling at her. She told Project South that seeing the nurse’s nervous and angry response confirmed “that something was not right.”

The complaint also details a number of incidences of retaliation for raising concerns about this and the hygiene in the facility; several detainees were put in solitary for raising concerns about new detainees being introduced to their cells, lacking any covid screening.

I can't think of another good reason to perform an inordinate amount of hysterectomies other than to prevent woman from having children that would be American citizens under the 14th amendment. The Hyde Amendment prohibits ICE or any other agencies from performing abortions unless in the case of rape, incest, or threat of harm to the woman. This would be one gruesome way to get around that prohibition in effect.

For its part congressional Democrats have widely condemned the report and have called upon the DHS Office of Inspector General to open an immediate investigation.

I haven't heard any remarks from the WH but the DHS spokesperson pushed this statement out thus far:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not comment on matters presented to the Office of the Inspector General, which provides independent oversight and accountability within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE takes all allegations seriously and defers to the OIG regarding any potential investigation and/or results. That said, in general, anonymous, unproven allegations, made without any fact-checkable specifics, should be treated with the appropriate skepticism they deserve.

ICE is firmly committed to the safety and welfare of all those in its custody. All ICE facilities are subject to regular inspections, both announced and unannounced, and the Irwin County Detention Center has repeatedly been found to operate in compliance with ICE’s rigorous Performance Based National Detention Standards.

Comprehensive medical care is provided to all individuals in ICE custody. Staffing for detainees includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, licensed mental health providers, mid-level providers like physician assistants and nurse practitioners, and a physician. Care decisions are made by medical personnel, not law enforcement. Detainees also have access to dental care and 24-hour emergency care. Pursuant to its commitment to the welfare of those in the agency’s custody, ICE spends more than $260 million annually on the spectrum of healthcare services provided to detainees.”

As to ICE’s response to COVID-19, in general, the health, welfare and safety of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees is one of the agency’s highest priorities. Since the onset of reports of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), ICE epidemiologists have been tracking the outbreak, regularly updating infection prevention and control protocols, and issuing guidance to ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) staff for the screening and management of potential exposure among detainees. For additional information on the extensive steps ICE has taken, and continues to take, to stem the potential spread of COVID-19 please review https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus.

Water John

I know the story seems verified but would wait for further info before commenting. We have had our own rogue doc doing the same in this country. So it needs to be investigated urgently.

Overheal

Water John wrote: »

I know the story seems verified but would wait for further info before commenting. We have had our own rogue doc doing the same in this country. So it needs to be investigated urgently.

I will update if the DHSOIG takes up the case

Rodney Bathgate

Why is this being posted in an Irish forum?

mynamejeff

Rodney Bathgate wrote: »

Why is this being posted in an Irish forum?

coz agendas

randomchild

Because its current news? By that definition we shouldn't have a thread on the us election.

EmmetSpiceland

Rodney Bathgate wrote: »

Why is this being posted in an Irish forum?

This forum covers Ireland, the US and, of course, Sweden.

Water John

I am only interested in the story. We have had similar done here in the past. This is about the detention centres and also about a doctor playing god.
I would like to see verification from more sources.

jam_mac_jam

That is absolutely horrific. What a ****ty world where the best outcome to this story is complete incompetence and indifference and not outright evil agenda of sterilising these women without their consent.

Just horrible.

excludedbin

Rodney Bathgate wrote: »

Why is this being posted in an Irish forum?

Why is there a thread with thousands of posts about BLM on an Irish forum? Why is there a thread about the US election? Why is there a thread about a UK writer? Why is there a thread about Sweden?

Go piss and moan in one of those threads if you're not just upset at seeing racist scumbaggery being laid bare.

Rodney Bathgate wrote: »

It isn’t news, it is someone pushing an agenda.

The absolute, excruciating ****ing irony.

Overheal

Water John wrote: »

I am only interested in the story. We have had similar done here in the past. This is about the detention centres and also about a doctor playing god.
I would like to see verification from more sources.

Same. It's an explosive series of accusations that if true would possibly amount to eugenics. Needs to be well vetted. Even if true but unverifiable I would hope it amounts to them realizing they need to seriously look at what they're up to. Even if there's only a bit of truth in it, they still need to take a serious look at themselves. I'd like to particularly see numbers, since the nurse is alleging a high percentage of cases, but if it amounts to 4 or 5 women that's challenging to argue as systemic abuse. Either way I'd say those facility agents are scrubbing the place down and making it spick and span as we speak.

Ten of Swords

Mod - if you're not going to discuss the topic in the op then probably best not to post, trying to reignite an argument from another thread won't end well

mynamejeff

Overheal wrote: »

Same. It's an explosive series of accusations that if true would possibly amount to eugenics. Needs to be well vetted. Even if true but unverifiable I would hope it amounts to them realizing they need to seriously look at what they're up to. Even if there's only a bit of truth in it, they still need to take a serious look at themselves. I'd like to particularly see numbers, since the nurse is alleging a high percentage of cases, but if it amounts to 4 or 5 women that's challenging to argue as systemic abuse. Either way I'd say those facility agents are scrubbing the place down and making it spick and span as we speak.

and what if it all lies manipulated for the political benefit of a political group in America ,
and you are happy to push un verified half truths or less in order to stoke outrage and anger in line with your own agenda

nothing you posted is verified

AGAIN

Overheal

mynamejeff wrote: »

and what if it all lies manipulated for the political benefit of a political group in America ,
and you are happy to push un verified half truths or less in order to stoke outrage and anger in line with your own agenda

nothing you posted is verified

AGAIN

I don't think it's a secret that the whistleblower complaint is, as of yet, unverified. Hence the appropriate action of calling for an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. However, I'm quite certain the statement from the Department of Homeland Security that I included in the OP is indeed verified as something the DHS in fact responded with, so you appear to be jumping the gun with such sweeping remarks.

thesodofturf

I was doubtful but do a quick google search - it's all over the media in the last few hours.

Overheal

thesodofturf wrote: »

I was doubtful but do a quick google search - it's all over the media in the last few hours.

Could have linked to any number of reports but figured the prime article was best.

Rodney Bathgate

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

Why do you post in a thread about Sweden? This is an Irish forum:rolleyes:

Sweden is a fellow EU member. What happens there in terms of failed asylum policies and ghettos is likely to happen here if we don’t learn from their mistakes. So Sweden is very relevant for Ireland.

Overheal

“The misconduct described here echoes forced sterilization campaigns of the past conducted by some of history’s worst villains. We as a nation are better than this.” - Senator Blumenthal (D)

Open letter from the Democratic Womens Caucus



Statement from Speaker Pelosi:

Nancy Pelosi wrote:

“If true, the appalling conditions described in the whistleblower complaint – including allegations of mass hysterectomies being performed on vulnerable immigrant women – are a staggering abuse of human rights. This profoundly disturbing situation recalls some of the darkest moments of our nation’s history, from the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks, to the horror of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, to the forced sterilizations of Black women that Fannie Lou Hamer and so many others underwent and fought.

“The DHS Inspector General must immediately investigate the allegations detailed in this complaint. Congress and the American people need to know why and under what conditions so many women, reportedly without their informed consent, were pushed to undergo this extremely invasive and life-altering procedure.

“It is also essential that we get answers regarding ICE’s egregious handling of the coronavirus pandemic, in light of reports of their refusal to test detainees including those who are symptomatic, the destruction of medical requests submitted by immigrants and the fabrication of medical records.

“Reports such as these point to the urgent need to overhaul our unaccountable detention system and its horrific misuse by the Trump Administration, to ensure that these abuses cannot ever again happen.”

Haven't picked up any Republican statements about it, perhaps fearing the Streisand Effect. If anyone finds some please add them. Tried to search a few specific R lawmakers to see if they had posted anything, but nada.

ceadaoin.

Rodney Bathgate wrote: »

Sweden is a fellow EU member. What happens there in terms of failed asylum policies and ghettos is likely to happen here if we don’t learn from their mistakes. So Sweden is very relevant for Ireland.

But really not relevant at all to the topic of this thread?

This is awful if its true. I hope they do a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of it. Is it normal for medical procedures in general to be performed at these types of facilities?

Rodney Bathgate

excludedbin wrote: »

Why is there a thread with thousands of posts about BLM on an Irish forum? Why is there a thread about the US election? Why is there a thread about a UK writer? Why is there a thread about Sweden?

Go piss and moan in one of those threads if you're not just upset at seeing racist scumbaggery being laid bare.

The absolute, excruciating ****ing irony.

Do you have proof that this is ‘racist scumbaggery’?

Overheal

ceadaoin. wrote: »

But really not relevant at all to the topic of this thread?

This is awful if its true. I hope they do a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of it. Is it normal for medical procedures in general to be performed at these types of facilities?

Technically they're performed off-site, all by the same doctor. I've never heard whether the practice is normal. Healthcare is supposed to be provided to detainees, but you can imagine how comprehensive that typically would be; given the conditions we already know many detainees have been kept in, in the past.

Hellotonever

This is pure vile and evil. Its indefensible, I dont care if you're republican (pro lifers right?) or democrat.

<Mod snip>

TheBlackPill

Country of 350million, one rogue doctor so far. Country of 4.5million(us), gynaecologist did the same thing to 100s, reviewed by his peers who told the region they were lucky to have him (dr Neary)

Water John

TheBlackPill wrote: »

Country of 350million, one rogue doctor so far. Country of 4.5million(us), gynaecologist did the same thing to 100s, reviewed by his peers who told the region they were lucky to have him (dr Neary)

I raised that issue and the fact that we know it can and did happen should leave us more horrified if it happens in any country now.

Gervais08

I wouldn’t have a problem with women in Direct Provision or ICE centres etc being given three month contraceptive implants.

I’ve used them myself, they are safe and reversible and do not affect ongoing fertility.

Permanent surgery is very very wrong. You should be able to limit reproduction until illegal immigrants are either legal or deported but not forever.

Overheal

Gervais08 wrote: »

I wouldn’t have a problem with women in Direct Provision or ICE centres etc being given three month contraceptive implants.

I’ve used them myself, they are safe and reversible and do not affect ongoing fertility.

Permanent surgery is very very wrong. You should be able to limit reproduction until illegal immigrants are either legal or deported but not forever.

Would be much more humane and cant really be viewed as a sterilization. Still needs to be with well informed consent though.

Gervais08

Overheal wrote: »

Would be much more humane and cant really be viewed as a sterilization. Still needs to be with well informed consent though.

Agreed yes, maybe as a “perk” (horrible word choice I know) of a fast tracked application ??

One eyed Jack

Fair play OP for the bit of balance to these claims at least included in the opening post. I’d share the opinion of ICE on this one, knowing how these circumstances can turn into something of a political football -


U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not comment on matters presented to the Office of the Inspector General, which provides independent oversight and accountability within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE takes all allegations seriously and defers to the OIG regarding any potential investigation and/or results. That said, in general, anonymous, unproven allegations, made without any fact-checkable specifics, should be treated with the appropriate skepticism they deserve.


Case in point really, Nancy was rather quick out of the gate on this one to state the obvious -


”If true, the appalling conditions described in the whistleblower complaint – including allegations of mass hysterectomies being performed on vulnerable immigrant women – are a staggering abuse of human rights.


What’s being described IS a staggering abuse of human rights. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that much out for themselves. Whether the claims are true or not is another matter entirely.

suicide_circus

Is this a rogue psycho doctor or is it being suggested that this was policy?

fly_agaric

That said, in general, anonymous, unproven allegations, made without any fact-checkable specifics, should be treated with the appropriate skepticism they deserve.

I recall this being mentioned in the book "A Problem From Hell".
This is not genocide of course, but it is very hard to verify these sort of abuses of human rights until long afterwards.

At first there is only the word of "whistleblowers" (who will be punished quickly and harshly for saying anything when the authorities are corrupt & implicated in what is going on). Generally people will not want to believe until the evidence becomes undeniable.

Overheal

The Onion, of all outfits, makes a pretty good effort to highlight this is far from the first time the US will have been engaged in forced sterilizations.

Per The Onion:

https://www.theonion.com/shocked-americans-never-thought-they-d-see-forced-steri-1845079051?utm_campaign=The%20Onion&utm_content=1600279508&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2tkODz8R4qFrg-4_eIHcIVKeXyMVaFYLffauNli41fPuB3ZXLi6AvxZIo

The Onion wrote:

WASHINGTON—After shocking reports surfaced that doctors at Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia performed forced hysterectomies on female detainees, horrified Americans confirmed Wednesday that they never thought they’d see forced sterilization of minorities happen here again and again and again and again. “As a proud American, it’s almost unimaginable that these kinds of heinous acts could occur on U.S. soil, except for the 64,000 non-white women that were sterilized against their will between 1907 and 1963, and then the thousands more that occurred throughout the 1970s,” said 60-year-old Hank Baker, adding that he believed government-sanctioned eugenics had died eons ago after the U.S. government forcibly sterilized one-third of all women in Puerto Rico, 40% of all Native American women, and tens of thousands of impoverished Black women across the American South. “Aside from the decades worth of forced hysterectomies, tubal ligations, and ‘Mississippi appendectomies,’ revelations like this can really shake your faith in a nation. It’s 2020 for goodness’ sake, how are we allowing something that happened in Indiana, Oklahoma, Virginia, California, Delaware, and 25 other states throughout the 20th century to continue to happen here?” At press time, Baker added that this felt like something that could only happen in Nazi Germany after having been inspired by the American eugenics program.

endacl

Rodney Bathgate wrote: »

Why is this being posted in an Irish forum?

What happened to you, to turn you into you?

Beasty

endacl wrote: »

What happened to you, to turn you into you?

There's already been one warning and there will be no more

Discuss the topic, and certainly not other users