NY Times wants military prison to 'do the right thing,' give Manning hormone therapy, special housing

A recommendation from the New York Times' editorial board:

Prisoners have a constitutional right to care for their serious medical needs. In the case of individuals with gender dysphoria, treatment often includes hormone therapy, and failure to provide it can raise the risk of serious depression, self-mutilation attempts or even suicide. ...

It should not take a court order to get officials — including Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel — to do the right thing. They should give Private Manning appropriate medical care and safe but not unduly isolated housing, which should be available for all transgender prisoners.

Chelsea Manning, formerly Pfc. Bradley Manning, was recently sentenced to 35 years in a military prison for leaking classified government documents. After his sentencing, he released a statement that he feels like a woman and wants to be called Chelsea, as well as begin hormone therapy.

@eScarry