[Gender correction surgery in transsexualism from a legal perspective]

As understood by the German "Transsexuellengesetz" (Gender Recognition Act) transsexualism is to be recognized as a gender identity disorder if a long-term diagnostic-therapeutic process has shown that the transposition of gender roles is irreversible and if, besides psychotherapeutic monitoring, only hormonal and surgical procedures are suitable to relieve the patient's distress related to his gender identity. The German Gender Recognition Act does not contain provisions regarding the diagnosis or medical treatment of transsexualism. Commissioned by the German Sexuality Research Association, the Academy for Sexual Medicine and the Association for Sexology, a committee of experts developed standards for the medical treatment and evaluation of transsexuals. These standards provide a basis and orientational guide for both medical and legal issues. In terms of liability, doctors should carefully consider the recommendations on patient education provided in these guidelines. The costs for hormonal treatment and genital corrective surgery are reimbursed by the Statutory Health Insurances (SHI) if a medical expert confirms that transsexualism is a medical disorder.