Judge hears final arguments in inmate's sex-change
By DENISE LAVOIE (AP) – 16 hours ago
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gJmsMurGONui7KL3DlV8sfjG7sQQD9CNV0RG0BOSTON — A lawyer for a convicted murderer suing the state for a sex-change operation said Monday that the surgery is the only treatment that will significantly reduce the inmate's depression and anxiety.
But the state Department of Correction said Michelle Kosilek is highly functional and does not have a "serious medical need" that requires her to have the surgery.
Kosilek, born as Robert, was convicted of killing his wife, Cheryl, in 1990. Michelle Kosilek has been living as a woman in an all-male prison after receiving hormone treatments.
Lawyers for both sides delivered closing arguments Monday in Kosilek's lawsuit, which claims that the refusal of prison officials to provide the surgery amounts to cruel and unusual punishment and violates Kosilek's constitutional rights.
