World Health Organization: Eliminate Forced Surgery For Transgender People

[Olivia P]

BY ZACK FORD ON JUNE 2, 2014 AT 10:02 AM

The World Health Organization, in conjunction with several subsidiaries of the United Nations, has issued a new statement calling for "Eliminating forced, coercive, and other involuntary sterilization" across the globe. This specifically includes any requirement that transgender people undergo any surgeries that might impact their reproductive ability in order to have their gender identity recognized.

According to the report, requiring or coercing individuals to undergo sterilizing procedures violates the fundamental human rights to health, information, privacy, children, family, and freedom from discrimination. These surgical requirements impact transgender individuals who are seeking legal recognition for their gender as well as intersex individuals, who are often involuntarily subjected to "sex-normalizing" procedures as infants or children, which can compromise their reproductive ability. The report notes that these required surgeries "run counter to respect for bodily integrity, self-determination, and human dignity, and can cause and perpetuate discrimination against transgender and intersex persons."

http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/06/02/3443619/world-health-organization-transgender-surgery/

[Shana-chan]

So, does this mean they're trying to do away with having to have SRS to change your sex on your ID/birth certificate etc.?

[Jessica Merriman]

<whirrrrr> Can of worms being opened! 

[Shana-chan]

I should add, I hope this is for all of the world but more so the US (As I live there lol) and I ask, when will they have their chance to do this and when should it end and us know an answer? I ask because, my ID BADLY needs an update for MANY reasons lol so if I can wait and it does pass and get 1 ID with the right sex listed on it and such then, WHOO WHO! (Know, if I could only get to a court and get my name legally changed and if only I can think of a 2nd name to replace my other name..)

[suzifrommd]

I should add, I hope this is for all of the world but more so the US (As I live there lol) and I ask, when will they have their chance to do this and when should it end and us know an answer?

Each state has its own law. The WHO is not making any attempt to change any laws, just to make a health pronouncement.

It will have NO EFFECT unless local people (in other words, you and I) organize our communities to educate our legislators about why this is needed.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead