UK Transsexual Fights for Breast Augmentation Funding
A transsexual in the UK is fighting for her right to get her breast augmentation funded by the NHS (National Healthcare Service).
The woman, only referred to as C in news reports, believes that the NHS should fund her breast augmentation because the surgery is for psychological reasons – not for purely cosmetic reasons as the primary care trust (PCT) states it is. Lawyers for C state that it would protect her emotional well being and help her make the necessary steps toward realizing her feminine identity. Not funding the procedure would be a form of sex discrimination and a violation of C’s human rights. However, PCT argues that even if the surgery were to be funded, there was no evidence to prove that it would actually be beneficial.
C, who suffers from gender dysphoria, has had hormone therapy to help modify her body become more feminine. However her transformation and the development of her breasts remain less than adequate, making her the victim of insults from strangers. She hopes to undergo gender reassignment surgery for her genital area after breast augmentation. Her request, initially refused in 2006, is backed by doctors.
We’ll find out what happens by the end of the week.
Update: C’s request was turned down by a judge.
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