Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing criticism for its efforts to develop new transgender health guidelines, with accusations of ideological bias and a lack of scientific rigor. Critics argue that the WHO is prioritizing activism over medical evidence, raising concerns about the safety of gender-affirming interventions and their impact on women’s rights.
Background/Context:
The WHO has been revising its approach to transgender health in recent years. In 2019, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) removed “transsexualism” from the category of mental disorders and reclassified it as “gender incongruence” under sexual health. This shift was intended to reduce stigma around transgender identities. However, concerns have grown over the medical interventions associated with gender transition, particularly the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, which several European countries have begun restricting for minors due to safety concerns. The WHO’s new guidelines aim to promote “gender-inclusive care” and legal recognition of self-determined gender identity, but critics and lawmakers argue that the process is driven by advocacy rather than scientific scrutiny.
Relevant WHO Policy/Action:
The WHO established the Guideline Development Group (GDG) in December 2023 to create
