Statement on the trans-specific healthcare ban in Georgia

EPATH expresses deep concern over the Georgian Parliament’s recent adoption of the “On Family Values and Protection of Minors” legislative package in October 2024. This legislation severely restricts the rights of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals by imposing significant limitations on marriage, adoption, and access to trans-specific healthcare.

Key Issues in the Legislative Package:

• Article 5: This article prohibits surgeries or any medical procedures intended to change a person’s sex assigned at birth, with violations punishable by up to four years in prison.
• Article 6: This article bans the indication of a gender different from the sex assigned at birth on identity documents or any state-issued documents.

These provisions effectively ban the provision of trans-specific healthcare in Georgia, including essential hormone therapies that are vital for the physical and mental health of TGD individuals. Denying access to such healthcare can lead to severe mental health issues, including increased depression, stress, and anxiety.

Impact and International Standards
Banning access to trans-specific healthcare not only discriminates against TGD individuals but also encourages violent and discriminatory practices within the broader healthcare system. According to WPATH’s Standards of Care—Eighth Edition (SOC-8), healthcare professionals should assist TGD individuals in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving personal comfort with their gender identity, thereby optimizing their overall health and well-being.

Call to Action
We urge the Georgian Parliament to repeal the ban on trans-specific healthcare and legal gender recognition. It is imperative to remove any criminal liability on medical professionals providing necessary healthcare to TGD individuals. Upholding the right to the highest attainable standard of health for TGD individuals is essential for their well-being and human rights.

Read our full statement here.