LOVE BEHIND BARS: Why prisoners deserve conjugal visits

Conjugal visit is a fundamental human right for inmates and should be recognized as a constitutional right under the protection of family life.Across the world, prisons are made for punishment, correction and rehabilitation of offenders,but how far should that punishment go? One crucial aspect is often ignored ; denying inmates the right to intimacy is unfair, discriminatory and damages their dignity.

Although critics argue that the visits would turn prisons into  honeymoon suites, conjugal visits are proposed to improve inmate psychological well being, maintain family ties, support rehabilitation efforts and reduce recidivism.

Providing inmates with an opportunity to reconnect with their partners in a humane setting reduces stress, depression and help sustain marriages by preventing emotional detachment.This would more likely promote good behavior and discipline within the prison walls. Inmates would find it easier to follow rules for fear of loosing their rights to have a visit.

Without these visits, inmates may resort to engage in risky sexual behaviors, increasing the spread of HIV and homosexuality in prisons. Denying inmates a right to fulfill their biological needs means that that their rights are not fully accommodated by the government. Without proper regulations, inmates' human rights remain insufficiently protected. Addresing the issue through legal reforms is essential to align correctional policies with the international standards and human right principles. Incarceration doesn't mean loosing the right to love and one's human connection.

These visits should be private and should take place in a designated room or structure designed for that purpose. Supplies such as soap, bed lines, protectives such as condoms  and towels should be provided.

 Most countries do not allow these visits but in countries like  Brazil, Canada, France, Denmark and Australia these visits are permitted.

If we want a justice system that truly reforms individuals then we must acknowledge conjugal visits. If we claim to believe in correction and rehabilitation, why then deny prisoners the connection that would make rehabilitation possible? 

The visits would help them restore dignity upon release. Prisoners should be allowed to keep their spark alive as they serve their sentences. They are still capable of love and still deserve a chance to rebuild their lives.