Brezel, E. R., Powell, T., & Fox, A. D. (2020). An ethical analysis of medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for persons who are incarcerated. Substance abuse, 41(2), 150–154. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2019.1695706 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31800376/ 

Using ethical principles of beneficence/non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy, in addition to public health ethics, this article evaluates the ethicality of addiction treatment policies in incarcerated settings. Given the strong evidence base of medical care for OUD, the authors conclude that making MOUD inaccessible in jails and prisons is ethically impermissible. This is a useful resource for law professionals and professionals involved in correctional facilities, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the ethical arguments for MOUD treatment in correctional facilities. 

Bottom Line: This article explains why reasons commonly referenced by correctional facilities for not providing MOUD treatment are unethical.