Appeals court upholds sex change for inmate

[Pointedstick]

In what universe is a sex change operation "medically necessary?"

[Pointedstick]

And lest anyone mistakenly assume the wrong thing, let me mention that one my my best friends had a sex change a few years ago and is now much, much happier as a woman.

But was the operation "medically necessary?" Not in a million years, and she'll even tell you that. It sure improved her quality of life, but we're talking about something more like laser eye surgery or a nosejob than an arterial stent. There wasn't a single "medically necessary" reason why she couldn't have remained an (unhappy) man forever.

So she saved up the money and paid for the operation like responsible, productive people do.

[moda0306]

I give this thread two pages before we get to whether rights even exist at all .

[Pointedstick]

I give this thread two pages before we get to whether rights even exist at all .

They don't, it's the law of the jungle!!!!!!

[ns3]

• Why do they get any rights?
• If prison was more unpleasant, maybe it would deter more crime.

The eighth amendment to the constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment so unless you disagree with that you have to concede that they have some rights.

I know you want to avoid the sex change aspect of the story but what I want to know is if he/she gets transferred to a woman's prison after the operation. If not, this could be cruel and unusual punishment all by itself (Or maybe not. Some women might like being in a men's prison and vice/versa).

[dualstow]

Let's please forget about the fact that this was for a sex-change operation [I know, I know, it's hard!] and comment instead about the 'rights' that are extended to prisoners.

Geez, MangoMan. Sex change is in the title and we're not allowed to comment on it? 
You asked why prisoners get any rights at all. I don't know the answer, but I am glad they have some, because sometimes innocent people wind up in jail. It could happen to any of us. Therefore, some kind of basic right to health is warranted: nutrition, some occasional sunshine and fresh air if not in solitary, etc.

Beyond that, a sex-change operation sounds like something that should wait until after release from prison. It's prison, not the Make-A-Wish foundation.