Italy takes steps to strengthen regulations on gender-affirming healthcare for minors
The Italian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has proposed a draft law aimed at strengthening the regulation of gender-affirming medical care for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. The law, which is currently under parliamentary consideration, seeks to control the use of puberty blockers and feminizing or masculinizing hormones for individuals under 18 years old [1][3].
The proposed legislation requires these medications to be dispensed following protocols drafted by the health ministry and approved by a national ethics committee of pediatricians [1]. Moreover, a national registry will be established at the Italian Medicines Agency to monitor the correct use of these medicines and collect detailed medical histories of each transgender person undergoing treatment [1].
The government asserts that the law is necessary to "protect the health of minors" and to enable "effective data monitoring" [1]. However, the draft law has sparked protests from transgender rights advocates, who express concern over increased barriers and stigmatization for transgender youth [1].
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has positioned herself as an opponent of the "LGBTQ+ lobby and gender ideology," has been vocal in her support for the bill [1]. Her coalition, with its solid majority, is expected to back the bill [1].
The draft law, if approved, will increase the layers of screening for the approval of gender-affirming medical care. This could potentially lead to delays in treatment for young teenagers or pre-teens waiting for it [1]. On the other hand, the law aims to protect the health of minors and introduce effective data monitoring.
The Trans Identity Movement has expressed concern about the draft bill, fearing it could lead to profiling of trans people [1][2]. They argue that the proposed legislation may further restrict rights for same-sex couples and their families in Italy [1].
Currently, it is illegal for any couple to go abroad to have a baby via surrogacy in Italy [1]. This legislative move fits within broader political trends in Italy's government, which has taken steps to restrict LGBTQ+ rights in other domains [1].
As of early August 2025, no direct parliamentary vote outcome is yet available. The bill remains under parliamentary consideration, with its future uncertain.
[1] Source: Italian news outlets [2] Source: Trans Identity Movement press release [3] Source: World Health Organization definition of gender dysphoria
- The Italian government's draft law proposes stricter regulations on therapies and treatments for mental health, specifically gender-affirming care for minors with gender dysphoria, aligning with policy and legislation related to health and wellness.
- The Trans Identity Movement previously expressed worries that the draft law could lead to policies in the politics sphere that further restrict rights for same-sex couples, impacting general news stories about family rights and LGBTQ+ issues.
- In a broader context, this draft law seems to reflect the Italian government's focus on policy and legislation aiming to regulate various aspects of health and wellness, including mental health, which might influence general news and public discourse in Italy.
