Nora Shourd, mother of American hiker Sarah Shourd, announced to the media yesterday that in a surprise telephone call her daughter said her health has deteriorated and that she needs immediate medical attention, which is denied to her. Families of the American prisoners in Iran are trying to pursue the issue with the United Nations.

Sarah Shourd’s mother told a local television station that her daughter is still kept in solitary confinement. “This is extremely inhumane,” she said. Sarah Shourd, Josh Fattal, and Shane Bauer have been in prison for more than a year for illegally crossing the border into Iran, something the three hikers say was accidental.

Though their families have hired an attorney for them since last November, the three UC Berkeley graduates have not yet been able to meet with him. During the past year, security organizations have evaded sending the case to the Iranian Judiciary, claiming that the case file is still incomplete. Sarah Shourd’s mother told her that President Barack Obama has called her on the telephone. She said Sarah wanted those present to hear her mother’s words about this.

Concern over Sarah Shourd’s health escalates just as 15 prisoners inside Evin Prison continue their hunger strike. There has been growing concern about the health and conditions of prisoners during recent weeks.

Iranian authorities have so far shown no reaction to questions about Sarah Shourd’s health. The three hikers have only been able to make a few telephone calls over the past year.

Next month Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be heading to New York again to take part in the United Nations’ General Assembly meeting.  Considering the escalating sensitivity about the health conditions of the three Americans, questions about their charges and their release will be foremost on everyone’s list of questions to ask Mr. Ahmadinejad.