David R. Herz
Bet Rimon 179500, Israel
David@transisrael.org
May 25, 2026

Adv. Inbal Chen
Legal Department
Ministry of Health
39 Yirmiyahu St.
Jerusalem 9446724

Re: Response to your letter of 3 May 2026 (Ref: 201069626) regarding medical treatments for gender adaptation – Urgent call for evidence-based policy review

Dear Adv. Chen,

We received your inquiry regarding medical treatments for gender adaptation.

First, we note that in many Western countries — including the United States, Canada, and European Union member states — treatments for gender adaptation are recognized as legitimate medical practice when carried out in accordance with evidence-based professional guidelines, while adhering to the principles of informed consent, the patient’s will, and appropriate medical standards. International medical organizations such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the American Psychiatric Association have published professional guidelines that provide clear standards for diagnosis, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions, according to age, medical condition, and the individual circumstances of each patient.

Israel’s medical policy is based on clinical guidelines of professional associations, and treatment decisions are made on the basis of in-depth multidisciplinary assessment, including psychological and medical accompaniment, with an emphasis on the patient’s well-being and physical and mental health. Furthermore, with regard to minors, gender adaptation procedures are conditional upon the consent of both parents, and genital surgeries are not performed on minors (under the age of 18). Israel’s medical bodies are aware of the evolving professional discourse in the world, of up-to-date reports, and of policy changes in some European countries, and are examining the local guidelines in accordance with the accumulation of scientific evidence.

In Israeli law, the right to autonomy over one’s body is anchored in the recognition of the value and dignity of the human being — values that have been enshrined in Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty. From the right to autonomy derives the patient’s right to freedom of decision regarding his or her body, health, and receipt of medical treatment. Thus, the Patient’s Rights Law, 5756-1996, anchors the patient’s right to receive medical treatment out of free choice, after giving informed consent, in which the patient received full information about the nature of the treatment, its purpose, its prospects, and its risks. Therefore, every medical intervention requires a clear framework of transparency, consent, and documentation, and this is also true with regard to treatments for gender adaptation.

Indeed, the process of gender adaptation in Israel is conducted under the supervision of a national professional committee, which examines each application in a professional and thorough manner, while weighing medical, psychological, and social aspects, and ensures that treatment is given only after a defined period of preparation and the giving of full and transparent informed consent. For further information, one may refer to Director-General’s Circular No. 16/2014 on the Ministry of Health website.

Copy:
Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, Head of the Medical Division
Prof. Raz Gross, Chair of the National Committee for Gender Adaptation
Adv. Esti Verhaftig-Bass, Head of Digital and Enforcement Division

With blessings,

Adv. Inbal Chen