[Australian] Court grants teen breast removal

[Kaelin]

Court grants teen breast removal
Page last updated at 07:59 GMT, Monday, 4 May 2009 08:59 UK

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An Australian teenage girl has been given permission by a court to have both breasts surgically removed to more closely resemble a boy.

The 17-year-old, known as Alex in court and referred to as a boy, has a psychological condition that makes him unhappy with his gender.

The Family Court in Melbourne said the removal of both breasts would help Alex to build a new life as a boy.

The decision has angered Catholic groups, who view it as irresponsible.

Alex suffers from "gender identity dysphoria", a psychological condition where a person believes they are the opposite sex.

Alex has been on hormone treatment since he was 13 to prevent menstruation, Australian media reported.