Transgender Woman Files Complaint Over Breast Surgery Denial
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A transgender woman has filed a complaint against Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, saying she was denied breast implant surgery because of her gender identity.
On Wednesday, 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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