Russian Court Blocks Inmate's Bid for Gender-Affirming Surgery in Prison

The Soviet District Court of Vladivostok has rejected a lawsuit from a convicted inmate. The plaintiff demanded the right to undergo hormonal and surgical gender-affirming procedures while in custody. The court’s decision hinged on existing Russian law governing such medical interventions. The inmate filed the claim against the Federal Penal Correction Institution Medical Unit No. 25. They sought recognition of their right to feminisation treatments, including paid gender-affirming surgery. The court refused to accept the case, stating it lacked the necessary legal grounds for an exception.

Under Article 45.1 of Federal Law No. 323-FZ, dated 21 November 2011, medical interventions for gender transition are banned in Russia. The law permits exceptions only in rare cases. These include congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, or endocrine diseases affecting sexual development. Any such procedure also requires approval from a medical board at the healthcare institution. The court’s ruling means the inmate cannot pursue hormonal or surgical treatments at this time. The decision reinforces the strict limitations on gender-affirming care under current Russian legislation. No further legal avenues were opened by this verdict.