Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Brit Transsexual Sues for Health Service Boob Job

Plaintiff claims refusing surgery is a violation of human rights

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 9, 2009 2:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – A transsexual denied breast enlargement surgery by Britain's National Health Service is suing, claiming the denial violates her human rights. The plaintiff—who has undergone hormone treatment and lived as a woman for the last decade—says the surgery is essential to her identity as a woman.

Breast augmentation surgery is only given in very exceptional cases, and the lawsuit is costing money that should be spent on healing patients, argues the health authority's chief lawyer. "Public bodies which have to make rationing decisions face enormous difficulties," he told the Daily Telegraph. "Wherever you draw the line, there will be those who are disappointed."

Britain's National Health Service recognizes gender dysphoria as a medical condition.
Britain's National Health Service recognizes gender dysphoria as a medical condition.   (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
A British transsexual has gone to court after being denied breast augmentation surgery by the National Health Service.
A British transsexual has gone to court after being denied breast augmentation surgery by the National Health Service.   (©Kr. B.)
A transsexual is claiming that the National Health Service's denial of breast augmentation surgery is a violation of her human rights.
A transsexual is claiming that the National Health Service's denial of breast augmentation surgery is a violation of her human rights.   (©neoliminal)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It would make the job of PCTs virtually impossible if their decisions were constantly attacked.
- David Lock, barrister for West Berkshire Primary Care Trust

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Eleutherius
Feb 18, 2010 7:52 AM CST
These kinds of issues are exactly why public health care is a problem. You get this friction between personal choice and the fact that the public is paying for your health care. Just like how certain behaviors may create the need for medical procedures. I don't know what they should do here but they should certainly not make people pay for this.
WallyEFunk
Oct 10, 2009 7:49 AM CDT
Well said....3 thumbs
Realist
Oct 9, 2009 9:02 AM CDT
"...has not had a sex change operation, but has undergone hormone and other treatments to make her more feminine, the court heard." I wonder if perhaps the NHS would pay for an actual sex-change? Then this person could *maybe* justify asking for a bigger chest! Otherwise this is an abuse of the NHS/legal system!

More Newser Stories

Nurse Caught on Tape Switching Off Ventilator

Waitress Sues for Boob Job Benefits

GOP Gunning for Obama Health Nominee

JK Rowling Sued for Plagiarism

Brit Health Service Endorses Wii Fit


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne