Russian Court Blocks Prisoner's Bid for Gender-Affirming Surgery and Hormones

The Soviet District Court of Vladivostok has rejected a lawsuit filed by a convicted inmate. The plaintiff sought recognition of their right to undergo hormonal and surgical feminisation procedures, as well as other gender-affirming medical interventions. The court refused to consider the claim because the plaintiff’s case did not meet the required 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 specific circumstances. These include congenital developmental anomalies, genetic disorders, or endocrine diseases affecting sexual organ formation. Any such procedure must also be approved by a medical board at the relevant healthcare institution. The court’s decision upholds the existing legal restrictions on gender-affirming care in Russia. The plaintiff’s request for paid hormonal and surgical treatments was denied based on the lack of qualifying medical conditions.