# India's transgender law change leaves patients doctors in bind

> India's new transgender law amendment halts medical treatments, leaving thousands without care
- Title: India's transgender law change leaves patients doctors in bind
- Summary: India's new transgender law amendment halts medical treatments, leaving thousands without care Transgender patients face medical disruptions due to India's…
- Keywords: india, transgender, hormone replacement therapy, medical transition, gender identity certification, transgender law, hyderabad, affirming care, transgender rights, medical ethics, supreme court, identity card
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/life/2026/09/18/i-dont-know-the-future-indias-transgender-law-change-leaves-patients-doctors-in-a-bind/235495
- Published: 2026-09-18T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, transgender, hormone replacement therapy, medical transition, gender identity certification, transgender law, hyderabad, affirming care, transgender rights, medical ethics, supreme court, identity card
## 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
## Key takeaway

Transgender patients face medical disruptions due to India's law changes that penalize forced identity procedures