Italian Government Proposes Bill to Restrict Gender-Affirming Drugs for Minors

Rome: Premier Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet on Monday approved a new bill designed to restrict access to gender-affirming drugs for minors. This legislative proposal, spearheaded by Health Minister Orazio Schillaci and Family Minister Eugenia Roccella, aims to regulate the distribution and usage of hormones and puberty-blocking drugs among individuals under 18, contingent on parliamentary approval.

According to Ansa News Agency, the proposed bill includes the establishment of a registry at the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) to meticulously monitor the administration of these medications in treating gender dysphoria in minors. The registry will play a crucial role in ensuring that these drugs are only prescribed and dispensed through hospital pharmacies, thereby centralizing and controlling their distribution.

Moreover, the proposed legislation mandates that the dispensation of these drugs will require the consent of the national paediatric ethics committee. It also stipulates adherence to strict protocols set forth by the health ministry, underscoring the government’s intent to implement rigorous oversight in the treatment of gender dysphoria among minors.