Inmate's lawyer says sex change is necessary
BY DENISE LAVOIE
ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.freep.com/article/20091222/NEWS07/912220451/1001/NEWS/Inmates-lawyer-says-sex-change-is-necessaryLawyers 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.
Kosilek's lawyer, Frances Cohen, said several experts who testified during the trial agreed that the risk of potential suicide by Kosilek will increase if she does not get sexual-reassignment surgery.
"It is not an elective treatment. It is a medical treatment, and the state takes on those obligations," Cohen said.
