News (USA)

Transgender woman files complaint over breast surgery denial

Transgender woman files complaint over breast surgery denial
Alexa Rodriguez
Alexa Rodriguez WJLA

WASHINGTON — A transgender woman has filed a complaint against Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, saying she was denied breast implant surgery because of her gender identity.

WJLA-TV reports that Alexa Rodriguez said she was examined by a doctor there and told she was ready for surgery. But after getting approval for coverage from her insurance company, Rodriguez says a hospital employee told her they were not taking transgender females.

Rodriguez has filed a discrimination complaint with the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights.

The hospital said in a statement Medstar does not discriminate and there is no policy on assisting with gender transition, but the service is currently not offered.

Attorney Brian Markovitz says that policy could be a breach of the D.C. Human Rights Act which protects against discrimination.

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