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Former inmate speaks out about abuse at Va. women’s prison

The 44-year-old former inmate began her sentence with a Hepatitis C diagnosis, but says her health deteriorated quickly inside the prison

By Rachel Ryan
ABC 19

FLUVANNA COUNTY, Va. Donna Kidd spent nearly a decade incarcerated at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Fluvanna County on fraud and larceny charges. The 44-year-old began her sentence with a Hepatitis C diagnosis, but says her health deteriorated quickly inside the prison. Kidd now suffers from Cirrhosis of the liver and her organs are shutting down. Doctors at the University of Virginia Medical Center have told her she only has weeks to live, and her family blames the poor health care at the prison.

“They are in there paying for their mistakes, but they shouldn’t have to pay with their life,” said Barbara Kingery, Kidd’s older sister. “If she had gotten the proper treatment, she wouldn’t be where she is now.”

In early December, Kidd was approved for medical clemency and released early to spend her last days with her family, but Kidd says she still worries about inmates still suffering behind bars.

Full Story: Former Inmate Speaks Out About Abuse at Women’s Prison