An Australian teenager, who was born female but lives as a male, has been given permission by a court to have both breasts surgically removed.The 17-year-old, known as Alex in court and referred to as a boy, has a psychological condition that makes him unhappy with his gender.
The Family Court in Melbourne said the removal of both breasts would help Alex to build a new life as a boy.
The decision has angered Catholic groups, who view it as irresponsible.
Alex has "gender identity dysphoria", a psychological condition where a person believes they are the opposite sex, the Age newspaper reported. Alex has been on hormone treatment since he was 13 to prevent menstruation, it said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8032172.stm