Trans Inmate in Virginia Appeals Surgery Ruling

A transgender inmate in Virginia is appealing a judge's dismissal of a lawsuit asking for gender reassignment surgery.

The Washington Postreports that Ophelia De'Lonta believes a jury should decide whether she is entitled to surgery or if the hormones and other therapies she's currently receiving are sufficient.

U.S. District Judge James Turk's October ruling was based on other court decisions stating that inmates are guaranteed minimum care rather than preferred methods of treatment.

According to the story, De'Lonta "claims her disorder causes her to attempt castration and that the surgery is the only thing that will make her stop." In her filing last week, she claims that in severe cases like hers, surgery is a necessary treatment.

Read the full story here.