What Do You Think of Taxpayer-Funded Sex Changes for Inmates?
A federal judge's ruling Tuesday on a Massachusetts case is believed to be the first of its kind.
A convicted murderer will receive a state-funded sex-reassignment surgery because a federal judge has ruled it is the only way to treat her "serious medical need."
State prison officials must provide the surgery to Michelle Kosilek, who was convicted as Robert Kosilek for killing his wife in 1990. Kosilek was born a male but has received hormone treatments and lives in an all-male prison.
Kosilek first sued the Massachusetts Department of Correction 12 years ago. Wolf ruled two years later that Kosilek was entitled to treatment for gender-identity disorder, but did not order surgery. The ruling yesterday stems from Kosilek suing again in 2005.
Sex change operations can cost up to $20,000. Many insurance companies reject the surgery as elective.
In his decision, Wolf stated that the surgery is the ‘‘only adequate treatment’’ for Kosilek and that ‘‘there is no less intrusive means to correct the prolonged violation of Kosilek’s Eighth Amendment right to adequate medical care,’’ the Globe reported.
Prison officials have argued that allowing Kosilek to have the surgery would make her a target for sexual assaults by other inmates.
What do you think of the decision?
P.M
11:08 am on Wednesday, September 5, 2012
In this statement they are talking adequate medical care??? The only medical care he needs is to make sure if he gets a cold he gets a damn aspirin! Absolutely ridiculous that our tax money is going towards this. You have people out here that struggle to get healthcare they deserve and your going to allow this piece of worthlessness to get what he wants??? What is becoming of this world. Please people rethink and then rethink again!!
In his decision, Wolf stated that the surgery is the ‘‘only adequate treatment’’ for Kosilek and that ‘‘there is no less intrusive means to correct the prolonged violation of Kosilek’s Eighth Amendment right to adequate medical care,’’ the Globe reported.
c17a3
1:19 pm on Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Just one more reason why judges should be elected and not appointed...for life.
Ruth Reeve
8:17 pm on Wednesday, September 5, 2012
I agree with the judge, and feel Insurance companies are wrong to consider this an elective surgery. Perhaps moving Michelle to a female prison would reduce the chances of sexual assaults. I have no doubt many people disagree with me, and we will here from them...!!!
John Vassiliadis
8:01 am on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Does this story even warrant a comment??
Barb Nahoumi
8:02 am on Thursday, September 6, 2012
My hard-earned tax money should not be used to fund sex-change surgery for a convicted murderer. If Mr. Kosilek wishes to have this operation, he or his family should pay for it. NOT THE TAXPAYERS.
What is Judge Wolf thinking. I hope that he will rescind this order.
Mark Lehman
10:06 am on Thursday, September 6, 2012
No way! need money for schools and streets. Not so someone can feel good in prison! Let him pay for it! it is not life threating.
Joescarp
10:06 am on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Judge Wolfe needs a brain transplant.
Dave Markovsky
11:42 am on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Hey what the hell...they may as well throw in plastic surgery for what is going to be a very ugly woman. Elective surgery for criminals in prison is just as insane as the judge who okay'd this nonsense!
Kim Wescott
4:16 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
There is just SO much wrong with this ruling on so many levels. One point: maybe life isn't quite as bad in a female prison as in a men's prison. If that be the case, I can't help but wonder - Will we start hearing from many other 'transgendered' prisoners who demand this 'medically necessary' and 'constitutionally protected' surgery?
Kim Wescott
4:16 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
$20,000? I think not.
Electrolysis and/or laser (approximately $5000). Lots of therapy ($$). endocrinologist for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). But, that can't fix the low voice - need voice therapist. Then comes Facial feminization Surgery (FFS) and that costs MAJOR bucks. Then, bottom surgery. Total for one writer $80,000. And that doesn't take into account the cost for surgery on the upper half of the body (breasts, chest, back), or HRT at $200/ month for rest of life.
Kim Wescott
4:16 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
I don't really care what people do with their bodies - live and let live. My concern is that I've been compelled to chip in and pay for elective surgery for a person who is supposed to be paying his debt to society, not the other way around.