The State of Idaho has officially filed its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of a transgender inmate seeking sex reassignment surgery while incarcerated.
Both the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and Idaho’s Federal District Court have ruled against the state in the Adree Edmo case.
Listen to our in-depth, investigative podcast LOCKED chronicling the Adree Edmo case
Each of them found that not paying for the procedure violates Adree Edmo’s Eighth Amendment Rights in preventing cruel and unusual punishment due to her gender dysphoria.
Gender dysphoria is a condition that can cause significant stress when a person’s body doesn’t match their gender identity. In Edmo’s case, she’s tried to castrate herself twice while in prison.
“We will vigorously litigate the Ninth Circuit’s unprecedented ruling at the Supreme Court because the taxpayers of Idaho should not have to pay for a procedure that is not medically necessary,” said Gov. Brad Little in a statement.
Edmo has already undergone some pre-surgical treatments after Idaho lost its most recent appeal.
In documents filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, the state says the surgery is scheduled for July and is asking for that to be put on hold while justices debate taking up the case.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back frequently for updates.
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