Argentina Bans Gender Reassignment Surgeries for Under-18s

argentina - Argentina's government prohibits gender reassignment surgeries and hormone treatments for minors under 18 to protect mental and physical health.

Argentina Bans Gender Reassignment Surgeries for Under-18s

Argentina's government has banned gender reassignment surgeries and hormone treatments for individuals under 18. The decision aims to safeguard children's mental and physical well-being by preventing disruptions in their maturation processes. The effects of these interventions can be irreversible, posing serious risks. Similar to the UK, Sweden, Finland, and the USA, Argentina has taken steps to protect minors.

The government emphasizes the protection of children's rights as a national responsibility. The measure focuses on ensuring the child's best interests and safeguarding their physical and mental integrity. In addition, the new regulation specifies that inmates will be placed in correctional facilities based on their registered gender at the time of the offense. Trans women convicted of sexual crimes, human trafficking, or violence against women will not be housed in women's prisons.

These decisions follow President Milei's criticism of topics like feminism, diversity, inclusivity, abortion, environmentalism, and gender ideology at a speech in Davos. The Argentina LGBT+ Federation condemned the government's actions, stating that such changes cannot be made through a decree. They expressed readiness to seek legal recourse if necessary, including approaching the judiciary and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

In May 2012, Argentina passed the Gender Identity Law, enabling individuals to undergo hormone therapy and surgeries aligned with their identities.