Gender-Affirming Surgical Care in Carceral Settings

Transgender and gender-nonconforming persons are incarcerated at disproportionate rates in the United States, primarily due to socioeconomic marginalization. Access to gender-affirming surgical care within carceral settings remains a challenge, with legal, political, and institutional barriers preventing its widespread adoption. This article discusses the necessity of gender-affirming surgical care as part of medically accepted standards, highlighting its role in improving mental and physical health outcomes for incarcerated trans individuals. While federal guidelines acknowledge the importance of gender-affirming medical care, gaps persist in surgical access, exacerbated by restrictive state policies. Institutions are encouraged to align policies with international standards such as WPATH to ensure equitable access to care, develop relationships with surgical providers, and implement housing and security measures that protect trans persons. Funding mechanisms, including Medicaid waivers, are explored as potential solutions for financing gender-affirming surgery in prison settings.

Transgender and gender-nonconforming persons are incarcerated at disproportionate rates in the United States, primarily due to socioeconomic marginalization. Access to gender-affirming surgical care within carceral settings remains a challenge, with legal, political, and institutional barriers preventing its widespread adoption. This article discusses the necessity of gender-affirming surgical care as part of medically accepted standards, highlighting its role in improving mental and physical health outcomes for incarcerated trans individuals. While federal guidelines acknowledge the importance of gender-affirming medical care, gaps persist in surgical access, exacerbated by restrictive state policies. Institutions are encouraged to align policies with international standards such as WPATH to ensure equitable access to care, develop relationships with surgical providers, and implement housing and security measures that protect trans persons. Funding mechanisms, including Medicaid waivers, are explored as potential solutions for financing gender-affirming surgery in prison settings.