"A lack of consensus": the High Authority for Health postpones its recommendations on gender transitions for minors

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) announced on Friday, July 18, that it would not ultimately make a decision until 2026 on the care provided to minors wishing to undergo gender transition, citing a "lack of consensus" at this stage.

"We see that there is a consensus on adults and that we do not find the same consensus on minors," declared HAS President Lionel Collet at a press conference, specifying that work on developing recommendations for minors would begin "in early 2026."

The independent authority has, however, issued its recommendations regarding adults wishing to undergo gender transition, an opinion awaited in particular by LGBT+ rights associations which regularly report obstacles encountered by the people concerned in their care pathways.

"Regarding surgical care, the HAS recommends responding to requests for surgery from trans people," its opinion reads.

"The HAS acknowledges in this regard, in its opinion, that "the conditions of access to quality care remain very heterogeneous across the territory", highlighting a risk of "refusal of care", "self-medication" and mental disorders "which can lead to suicide".

However, it is appropriate, she adds, to "provide clear, fair and appropriate pre-operative information on the surgical procedures, the risks (in the short or medium term) and the nature of certain procedures for which a period of reflection is provided, in order to allow the person to give their informed consent."

"A systematic psychiatric opinion is not recommended," but "psychological support can be provided according to the individual's needs," said Claire Compagnon, chair of the HAS recommendations committee, during the same press conference at the HAS headquarters in Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis). Transitional care is "not a comfort but a vital issue," she added.