Oregon transgender inmate settles lawsuit over medical care

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Department of Corrections has settled a lawsuit filed on behalf of a transgender inmate who says she was denied medical care.
 
The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon says Michalle Wright has been subjected to cruel and unusual punishment because she was denied hormone treatment and counseling.
 
The suit says Wright was diagnosed with gender dysphoria and has attempted suicide several times while in custody.
 
In Tuesday’s settlement, Wright will receive $167,500 in damages. The state is also giving her hormone treatments, will consider transferring her to a women’s prison and will provide surgery if a medical panel determines it’s necessary.
 
The policy changes apply to all transgender inmates in Oregon prisons.
 
Wright was convicted of attempted armed robbery in 2013. Her earliest release date is November 2018.

Oregon Department of Corrections Director Colette Peters issued the following statement:

“Although ODOC disagreed with many of the allegations in this litigation, we never disputed the basic principles that transgender individuals within our care and custody should have access to quality medical and mental health care, and that they should be treated in a respectful, inclusive manner. The settlement agreement in this case affirms and reinforces ODOC’s commitments to these principles, and allows ODOC to move forward with these commitments without further litigation.

“I am proud of the work that ODOC has done in this area. ODOC has been a national leader in developing progressive policies for the care and treatment of the transgender individuals in our care and custody. The commitments set forth in this settlement agreement are a continuation of that leadership. In addition, I am proud of ODOC’s longstanding, collaborative relationship with Basic Rights Oregon (BRO), and we look forward to working with BRO on the development of medical protocols for the treatment of Gender Dysphoria.

“I wish Ms. Wright success in her further endeavors. ODOC will not have any additional comment on this settlement.”