The unique health needs of female inmates are identified, with attention to needs derived from the female reproductive system, female proneness to certain diseases, and the tendency of female inmates to be poor and black. Also, a high percentage of female Federal inmates is noted to have been confined for drug offenses, which implies that they have been exposed to the health risks of such a lifestyle. It is concluded that overall, prison health services both at admission and during imprisonment are not sufficiently sensitive to the unique health care problems and needs of female offenders. The recommendations presented for in-prison care for women are adapted from a new set of guidelines for health care for female inmates. Health care for female prisoners should be based on the assumptions that the general health care system must protect the health of incoming inmates and prevent deterioration while incarcerated; that inmates need access to medical care, and women must have access equal to that of men for all services; and that remedial education should be provided for inmates who have less than adequate health care information. Health care proposals are offered in the areas of intake screening and initial health appraisals, mental health services, reproductive choice, and daily aspects of health affected by detention.