California trans prisoner’s surgery date set
After a long legal battle, a trans prisoner in California is finally due to have gender confirmation surgery.
Michelle Norsworthy’s surgery is set for June 1st, when she will become the first trans prison to have surgery in the United States. Michelle-Lael Norsworthy was the first inmate in California to be granted surgery by a court.
The judge found that while she had been allowed hormone treatment, and had been recommended for surgery by her psychologist, the prison “chose to ignore the clear recommendations of her mental health provider” and “instead of following his recommendations, they removed her from his care.”
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has had their request for a delay denied.
A spokesperson said: “no treating physician has determined that sex reassignment surgery is medically necessary for Ms. Norsworthy”.
They told Courthouse News: “We will continue working with the federal receiver to ensure we are in compliance with the lower court’s order.
“In the meantime, we are awaiting a decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on our request for an urgent stay in this case until our appeal can be heard.”
In November last year, a prison in New York opened a wing specifically for trans prisoners.
