Denver resident Jennifer Blair is suing the state of Colorado for not paying for her breast cancer screenings.
Blair is a transgendered woman who was born genetically male and lived as a male for 50 years before undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
Blair has been taking Estradiol, a doctor-prescribed synthetic estrogen for the past 12 years, which increases the risk of breast cancer, KUSA reports. After noticing unusual growth and lacking medical insurance, Blair attempted to get a free mammogram at Planned Parenthood.
Blair was turned away since the CDC, whic provides the service, limits it to only those born genetically female. Blair’s lawyer, Sarah Parady, filed a lawsuit saying that turning Blair away is in violation of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.
“It’s discrimination based on her transgender status,” Parady said. “I think that’s pretty black and white.”
“I am a real woman,” Blair said. “This is about social justice. This is about holding public organizations accountable to do the right thing.”
The CDC cannot be reached for comment due to the government shutdown.