DILLWYN, Va. (KTLA) -- A Virginia inmate is suing the federal government for the right to have a sex change operation after several botched attempts at self-castration.
According to 50-year old Ophelia De'lonta, the surgery is necessary to treat her gender identity disorder.
In the lawsuit, De'lonta claims the state has failed its duty to provide adequate medical care because it won't treat her gender identity disorder with the operation.
De-lonta has already won a court order for hormone treatments that have caused her to develop noticeable breasts.
As well as a decision requiring all prison workers to refer to her as a woman.
In October, De'lonta used a disposable razor in an unsuccessful bid to castrate herself.
De'lontaÂ’s castration attempts begin at age 12, and by 17, she was robbing banks with the hopes of getting enough money to have a sex change.
By 18, she was in prison, sentenced to more than 70 years for robbery, drugs, weapons and other charges.
Similar lawsuits have failed in a handful of other states, including California.
According to 50-year old Ophelia De'lonta, the surgery is necessary to treat her gender identity disorder.
In the lawsuit, De'lonta claims the state has failed its duty to provide adequate medical care because it won't treat her gender identity disorder with the operation.
De-lonta has already won a court order for hormone treatments that have caused her to develop noticeable breasts.
As well as a decision requiring all prison workers to refer to her as a woman.
In October, De'lonta used a disposable razor in an unsuccessful bid to castrate herself.
De'lontaÂ’s castration attempts begin at age 12, and by 17, she was robbing banks with the hopes of getting enough money to have a sex change.
By 18, she was in prison, sentenced to more than 70 years for robbery, drugs, weapons and other charges.
Similar lawsuits have failed in a handful of other states, including California.
