GNA releases statement on whistleblower complaint of alleged forced sterilization of women in GA ICE detention facility

September 17, 2020- The Georgia Nurses Association released a statement on the complaint of alleged forced hysterectomies taking place in Georgia’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

"The complaint filed by whistleblower nurse Dawn Wooten over alleged hysterectomies in immigrant women, and unsafe conditions, at the ICE Detention Center in South Georgia, is deeply disturbing," said GNA President Richard Lamphier. “We urge an immediate and thorough investigation into these horrific accusations.”  

The statement aligns with the American Nurses Associations.

“The American Nurses Association (ANA) is appalled to hear of the alarming allegations at the Irwin County Detention Center related to high rates of hysterectomies performed on immigrant women under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Oppression or exploitation of any population is of grave concern for nurses, especially for those whose human rights may be more easily violated. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements obligates nurses, without exception, to diligently protect and promote human rights.”

Read the complete statement here.