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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Minnesota Mom Sues Trans Teen Over Sex Change

A Minnesota mother sued her own teenager as well as government agencies and two healthcare providers, claiming they allowed her to undergo sex-change procedures without parental consent.

MINNEAPOLIS (CN) – A Minnesota mother sued her own teenager as well as government agencies and two healthcare providers, claiming they allowed her to undergo sex-change procedures without parental consent.

Anmarie Calgaro sued St. Louis County, its school district, Fairview Health Services, Park Nicollet Health Services and her 17-year-old transgender daughter J.D.K., in Minnesota federal court on Wednesday. Also named as defendants are Linnea Mirsch, interim director of St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services, and Michael Johnson, principal of the Cherry School.

Calgaro claims J.D.K. was prescribed narcotics by Fairview Health Services “and succeeded in obtaining medical services to change sex from male to a female from Park Nicollet.”

“J.D.K. received, and continues to receive, major elective medical services provided by Park Nicollet ― and paid by St. Louis County – for a sex change without her consent or court order of emancipation,” Calgaro’s complaint states.

Park Nicollet and Fairview Health Services are treating the teen as an adult with the exclusive rights to information and decision-making regarding his medical procedures and services, the complaint states.

“Elective medical services for a sex change for a minor child is a life-changing event," Calgaro alleges. “Park Nicollet did not contact Ms. Calgaro about J.D.K.’s request or consent for a sex change.”

According to the complaint, J.D.K. was given a "letter of emancipation" from nonparty Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Clinic and legal advice that the teenager is emancipated without a court order.

However, Calgaro says J.D.K. has never obtained a valid order of emancipation.

“The letter of emancipation J.D.K. obtained from a legal aid service agency is not a court order,” the complaint states. “The school district provided Ms. Calgaro no notice or hearing prior to…terminating her parental rights regarding J.D.K.’s education nor a hearing or process afterwards to regain her parental rights over her minor child.”

Calgaro says she has requested J.D.K's medical records from Park Nicollet and Fairview Health Services and has asked to participate in her child’s medical decisions. However, both healthcare providers refused her requests because they determined J.D.K. is emancipated, the complaint states.

J.D.K.'s father, Justin Karl, also has joint legal custody of J.D.K., according to the lawsuit, and is on board with Calgaro’s legal efforts.

"Although Ms. Calgaro and Karl are divorced, that has not interfered with their communication regarding the welfare of their son [sic] J.D.K,” the complaint states. “Notably, Mr. Karl has been informed about the instant litigation and the claims asserted and has consented to Ms. Calgaro's lawsuit."

Calgaro is challenging Minnesota’s emancipation law, which allows a minor living apart from their parents to get medical care and procedures without parental consent.

She says she wants the court to affirm her parental rights and issue an injunction enjoining the government agencies and healthcare providers from providing any additional medical, educational or other services to J.D.K.

Calgaro is represented by Erick Kaardal with Mohrman, Kaardal & Erickson P.A.

Principal Johnson declined to comment on the lawsuit. The other defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent Thursday night.

Categories / Civil Rights, Law

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