Russian court denies inmate's plea for gender-affirming medical care in custody

The Soviet District Court of Vladivostok has rejected a lawsuit filed by a convicted inmate. The plaintiff sought to challenge the refusal of gender-affirming medical care while in custody. The inmate demanded recognition of their right to undergo hormonal and surgical feminisation procedures. They also requested access to paid gender-affirming medical interventions. The court, however, declined to consider the claim.

In its ruling, the court referenced Article 45.1 of Federal Law No. 323-FZ, dated 21 November 2011. This law explicitly bans medical interventions for gender transition in Russia. Exceptions are permitted only in cases of congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, or endocrine diseases affecting sexual development. Any such exception requires approval from a medical board at the relevant institution. The plaintiff’s case was dismissed as it did not meet the legal criteria for an exception. The ruling reinforces the existing ban on gender-affirming procedures in the country. The inmate’s request for medical intervention remains unfulfilled.