Mass. To Appeal Sex-Change Surgery Ruling

Massachusetts officials have decided to appeal a judge's decision to grant a convicted murderer's request for sex-reassignment surgery.

A Patrick administration official confirmed the decision to The Associated Press Wednesday on the condition of anonymity because an official announcement had yet to be made.

U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf ruled the surgery is the only adequate treatment for Michelle Kosilek's gender-identity disorder, a condition he said is a "serious medical need." It was the first time a judge ordered prison officials to provide sex-reassignment surgery to an inmate.

Wolf's ruling prompted an outcry among some legislative leaders, who say Kosilek isn't entitled to the taxpayer-funded surgery.

Kosilek's attorney said she had no immediate comment because she didn't know of the appeal.

Kosilek was named Robert when married to Cheryl Kosilek and was convicted of her 1990 murder.

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