GLAD Wins Tax Deduction for G.R.S. Genital Reconstruction Surgery FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Boston, November 30, 2004 FOR MORE INFORMATION Carisa Cunningham, GLAD (617) 426-1350 / (617) 447-6500 (cell) GLAD WINS TAX DEDUCTION FOR G.R.S. GENITAL RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY (Boston) The Internal Revenue Service has concluded that a transsexual woman represented by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) may deduct expenses for G.R.S.Genital reconstruction Surgery as a necessary medical expense. The decision overturned a tax examiner's refusal to allow Rhiannon O'Donnabhain's claimed deduction because he viewed her sex reassignment surgery as "cosmetic". As the Appeals Officer determined, however, Ms. O'Donnabhain's surgery was medically necessary and an integral part of a professionally prescribed course of treatment for her diagnosed condition. The decision has important implications for other government programs as well as for private contracts of insurance. "This important decision recognizes that Genital reconstruction Surgery can be as medically necessary for some people as an appendectomy or heart bypass surgery," said GLAD attorney Karen Loewy, who represented Ms. O'Donnabhain in her appeal. "Any notion that medical treatment for a transgender person is purely cosmetic is based on misunderstanding and prejudice, not medical science." Rhiannon O'Donnabhain underwent Genital reconstruction Surgery in 2001 after having been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. She and her health care providers determined that reconstruction Surgery was a medically necessary step to enable her to live her life as a woman. "I am greatly relieved by the Appeals Officer's decision," said Ms. O'Donnabhain. "While the money was important to me, so too was the underlying principle. I hope this case sends a clear message that transgender people deserve dignity, respect and equal treatment for our medical care." Carisa Cunningham Public Affairs and Education Director 617-426-1350 x11 Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders www.glad.org
		Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.
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