EU High Court Rules that Denying Trans Healthcare to Prisoners is a violation of their human rights

Image by Ka Schmitz | Pudelskern Source

In a Major Win for trans rights, the EU High Court ruled that denying transgender prisoners HRT is a violation of their human rights.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled in the case of W.W. vs Poland that denying hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to a trans woman in a Polish prison violated her rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This decision is a major win for trans people in prison, who often face barriers to trans-specific healthcare, reports Transgender Europe (TGEU)

Key takeaways:

• First of its kind: This ruling marks the first time the Court has explicitly recognized the importance of HRT for trans people in prison, affirming it as essential, life-saving healthcare.
• A positive step for trans rights: The decision underscores that States are obliged to provide access to necessary trans-specific healthcare, including in prison settings.
• A need for systemic change: The case reveals the systemic barriers and discrimination faced by trans people in prison, from delays in accessing care to the broader issue of transphobia within institutions.

TGEU is a member-based organisation committed to fostering strong trans movements. Read more about this ruling at the Strasbourg Observers