From Malay Mail · · 1m 30s
India's transgender law change leaves patients doctors in bind
India's new transgender law amendment halts medical treatments, leaving thousands without care
In brief
India's new transgender law amendment halts medical treatments, leaving thousands without care Transgender patients face medical disruptions due to India's law changes that penalize forced identity procedures Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Law amendment impacts care
India's parliament amended transgender law in September 2026, introducing penalties for forced identity procedures through surgery, chemicals or hormones.
“Everything shut down”
Kali's treatment halted
Transgender woman Kali Sidharth Medepalli stopped hormone therapy after India's law amendment, experiencing hot flushes and body aches for 10 days.
“I went 10 days without a testosterone blocker”
Doctors face legal risk
Doctors must choose between legal penalties for continuing treatment or refusing care that conflicts with medical ethics.
“How can I refuse care? I took an oath that above all do no harm”
Private clinics adapt
Some private clinics continue treatment but add extra paperwork, consent forms, and charge patients more for safety.
“Private clinics will now give care, but they lawyer up”
Identity certification issues
Transgender individuals struggle to update identity documents after law amendment adds medical board review for certification.
“Everyone wants me to move on from this life”
Bhukya's employment struggle
Bhukya Ahalya, 21, transitioned in 2025 but cannot update identity documents, surviving by begging at traffic signals.
“I don't get a TG card”
Legal challenges ongoing
The amendment is being challenged in India's Supreme Court over constitutional rights including dignity and autonomy.
“We cite constitutional protections including dignity, autonomy and privacy”
Uncertain future
Kali says she can't plan her medical transition anymore due to the law changes, stating 'I don't know the future'.
“I don't know the future”
Population estimates
India's 2011 census recorded 488,000 transgender individuals, but human rights groups estimate 5-6 million people.
“Human rights groups estimate 5-6 million people”
Healthcare system fear
Transgender rights activist Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli says healthcare system is fearful due to legal uncertainty, risking patient safety.
“The lack of clarity could scare away even the ones who have the best interests for the trans people”
In short
Transgender patients face medical disruptions due to India's law changes that penalize forced identity procedures
