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ACLU sues jail over withheld medication

By The Associated Press

Story Created: Nov 19, 2009 at 4:43 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2009 at 4:43 PM MST

HELENA - The ACLU of Montana is suing the Lake County Jail for withholding prescription medication from a pregnant inmate.

The ACLU says Bethany Cajune was denied the drug she uses to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms while overcoming narcotic addiction. Cajune, several months pregnant, was serving a short sentence at the Lake County Detention Facility for traffic violations.

The ACLU said the jail ignored advice from Cajune's doctor and drug treatment counselor that she be given the drug while jailed. The lawsuit says the woman went into severe withdrawal, and risked miscarriage. The ACLU is seeking compensation for her physical and emotional suffering.

The Lake County sheriff did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday.

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oly thornell said on Friday, Nov 20 at 7:08 AM

This is common practice in the jails and prison in mt.I know this for a fact. they are treated like dogs.and guilty before any trial.

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