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Transgender patients in Wales will now be able to access funding for gender reassignment therapy. Previously, “exceptional circumstances” had to be applied to funding applications for treatment of gender dysphoria.

The policy change by the Health Commission Wales (HCW) means that Wales’ treatment of transgender patients is now the same as other areas of the UK.

Benjamin Thom, vice-chair of the Gender Trust, welcomed the move: “Welsh trans people had been dramatically affected by the policy, leading to suicide attempts, public abuse and financial ruin.”

Around five people a year seek gender reassignment in Wales. Treatment can include surgery, hormone therapy, counselling and speech therapy.

In the last 12 months, the HCW has reviewed a backlog of failed cases since 2005, and funded approximately 20.

Gender reassignment is “crucial” for trans people who want to live permanently in their preferred gender role, Stephen Whittle, a professor of equalities law at Manchester Met University and vice-president of Press for Change told the BBC.

“People still think gender reassignment treatment is a matter of personal lifestyle choice when in fact they are life savers,” said Whittle.

Posted in: Health |