Judge hears final arguments in inmate's sex-change

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Department of Correction says a convicted murderer suing for a sex-change operation is highly functional and does not have a "serious medical need" that would require the surgery.

A prisons lawyer said Monday that Michelle Kosilek is doing well under a plan that has included hormone treatments, psychotherapy and electrolysis treatments. Prison officials say allowing Kosilek to have the surgery would present insurmountable security problems.

Kosilek was born as Robert but has been living as a woman in an all-male prison. Robert Kosilek was convicted of killing his wife in 1990.

Kosilek says the state's refusal to provide the surgery is cruel and unusual punishment.

Kosilek's lawyer was scheduled to make her argument Monday afternoon.