The cost of many things inmates and/or their family request is infinitesimal compared to the incarceration expense. That doesn't mean the wishes should be granted.
Should every criminal with a pregnant wife, girlfriend, or one nighter be provided time out at our expense to be there for the birth of their child? How could it not be considered cold hearted to deny a father the opportunity to be there for the birth?
The list could go on and on and on.
Because he will presumably have the opportunity to see that child again which is clearly not the case here.
I think it’s done on a case by case basis, probably taking into consideration the severity of the crime committed and circumstance of the visit. You may not agree, but I’m glad the system allowed his visit to see his daughter and grant her dying wish.