Taranaki sex-change hope dashed

A 73-year-old Taranaki transsexual says she has been declined taxpayer-funded sex-change surgery because of medical problems.

Former soldier Vicki Harvey of Opunake caused a political uproar this month when it was revealed the Government would cover the $30,000 cost of the operation if it was approved by a psycho-surgical team in Christchurch.

Ms Harvey said yesterday that she was unable to proceed with the surgery due to "contra medical conditions".