Gender-Affirming Surgical Care in Carceral Settings

This perspective article discusses the urgent need for gender-affirming surgical care within U.S. carceral settings. It addresses the high incarceration rates of transgender individuals, the medical and ethical imperative to provide access to care consistent with community standards, and the challenges posed by inconsistent policies, social stigma, and administrative barriers. The authors argue that denying clinically indicated surgical affirmation violates constitutional protections. They propose steps for integrating gender-affirming surgical care into carceral health systems, including staff training, policy alignment with WPATH standards, and ensuring privacy and safety under HIPAA and PREA guidelines.

This perspective article discusses the urgent need for gender-affirming surgical care within U.S. carceral settings. It addresses the high incarceration rates of transgender individuals, the medical and ethical imperative to provide access to care consistent with community standards, and the challenges posed by inconsistent policies, social stigma, and administrative barriers. The authors argue that denying clinically indicated surgical affirmation violates constitutional protections. They propose steps for integrating gender-affirming surgical care into carceral health systems, including staff training, policy alignment with WPATH standards, and ensuring privacy and safety under HIPAA and PREA guidelines.