Tennessee inmates offered less jail time in return for vasectomies

A judge in Tennessee is offering inmates at a county jail reduced sentences if they agree to undergo a free vasectomy or birth control injections, drawing fire from opponents who say the program violates fundamental constitutional rights.
The program, which offers White County Jail inmates 30 days off their time behind bars, aims to encourage participants to be successful and avoid being “burdened with children,” Judge Sam Benningfield said in an interview on Thursday with Nashville’s News Channel 5.
“This gives them a chance to get on their feet and make something of themselves,” the judge said.
Benningfield’s order took effect on May 15 but only garnered national attention after the News Channel 5 report. Dozens of inmates are said to have signed up.

Tennessee inmates offered less jail time in return for vasectomies