In (1995), iowa female inmates argued that their equal protection rights under the 14th amendment were violated because programs and services were not at the same level as those provided male inmates. the court ruled against the female inmates, citing that no invidious discrimination was present.

Pargo v. Elliot--this case was the beginning of women arguing they do not receive equal treatment to other prisoners. 

Though the case was overturned and no just cause was found, it did bring attention to the issue of treatment of prisoners. In particular, women prisons being so few have been cited as having poor health programs and not as many educational programs as men.