As President Obama acknowledged in a January 2016 op-ed in the Washington Post, “Research suggests that solitary confinement has the potential to lead to devastating, lasting psychological consequences.” He cited the reality that, “[p]risoners in solitary are more likely to commit suicide, ” and went on to condemn the widespread use of solitary confinement in the United States.
Given her past experiences in solitary and multiple prior suicide attempts, Chelsea is currently at a risk of future suicidality.
She attempted to take her life on July 5, 2016, and was given a week of solitary confinement as punishment for that suicide attempt. Upon being placed in solitary on October 4th 2016, Chelsea attempted suicide again. Now Chelsea is facing additional charges for the second suicide attempt, and could again be punished with solitary confinement.
This is a vicious cycle, with no end in sight. President Obama has the power to stop it.