Federal Judge Orders Indiana to Fund Transgender Surgery for Inmate Convicted of Baby's Death

The ruling mandates the Indiana Department of Corrections to provide gender-affirming surgery to Jonathan C. Richardson, who now identifies as Autumn Cordellioné, citing the Eighth Amendment.

Jonathan C. Richardson, convicted of killing his 11-month-old stepdaughter in 2001, now identifies as Autumn Cordellioné and has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
A federal judge ruled that denying the surgery constitutes 'cruel and unusual punishment' under the Eighth Amendment.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued the Indiana Department of Corrections, arguing the surgery is a medical necessity for Cordellioné.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing taxpayer opposition to funding the surgery.
Cordellioné has been receiving hormone treatments since 2020 but claims surgery is essential to alleviate severe psychological distress.