In a letter to top officials at the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), House lawmakers today demanded answers over alarming reports that two elderly pro-life advocates did not receive necessary medical care in jail while awaiting sentencing by a DC judge. The letter was signed by House Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chairs Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Andy Harris, MD (R-MD); Judiciary Subcommittee Chairs Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Chip Roy (R-TX); and Reps. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Debbie Lesko (R-AZ).

            The lawmakers’ press for answers comes amid reports that 74-year-old pro-life advocate Jean Marshall was denied hip surgery despite excruciating hip pain and two visits to the emergency room since her incarceration.

            Another pro-life advocate, Heather Idoni—a 59-year-old woman with diabetes who suffered a stroke two weeks ago—says she has suffered gross medical neglect while incarcerated, including denial of essential prescription medication that has raised suspicions her medical records could have been falsified by jail staff.

            “We are deeply concerned by reports suggesting that the U.S. Marshal Service did not provide medically necessary health care services to two prisoners in its custody: Ms. Jean Marshall, 74, and Heather Idoni, 59,” the lawmakers wrote to USMS Director Ronald Davis and BOP Director Colette Peters.

            “We ask Director Davis to provide a clear and comprehensive account of the care provided to Ms. Idoni and Ms. Marshall during their time in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service,” the lawmakers wrote.

            “As you know, the U.S. Marshal Services is required to provide appropriate medical care for all prisoners,” continued the lawmakers, citing the USMS Policy Directive on Prisoner Health Care Management. “This is defined as ‘necessary to diagnose or treat a medical condition, which, if left untreated, would likely lead to a significant loss of function, deterioration of health, uncontrolled suffering, or death.’”

            Smith, who authored the letter, said that until this week both women had been in USMS custody. Marshall, who was sentenced yesterday, will serve the remainder of her sentence in BOP custody. Idoni currently remains in USMS custody until her sentencing on May 21.

            “Additionally, we ask Director Peters to advise us on what actions the Bureau of Prisons has taken to ensure Ms. Marshall is receiving appropriate care,” the letter continued. “We also ask for information on actions the Bureau of Prisons plans to take to provide appropriate care for Ms. Idoni if she is placed in Bureau of Prison custody.”

            “In accordance with Title 28, Part 549 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Bureau of Prisons Program Statement 6031.04, Patient Care, states that the Bureau of Prisons will provide medically necessary health care to inmates,” the lawmakers wrote. “This includes medical conditions which, without care, could ‘lead to serious deterioration leading to premature death’ and could risk ‘significant pain or discomfort which impairs the inmate’s participation in activities of daily living.’”

            “We are seeking the opportunity to speak with you directly about the situations of both individuals by no later than May 17, 2024,” the lawmakers wrote.

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