Recently, a court in La Spezia authorised a 13-year-old minor to undergo a gender transition process, marking a first in Italy. The decision was based on the belief that the young person had reached “full awareness” regarding the discrepancy between their body and gender identity. However, this ruling raises significant concerns about the maturity of such a young adolescent in making decisions that profoundly affect their physical and psychological health.
Italian law permits gender rectification only if there is a substantial change in secondary sexual characteristics, but the case of the 13-year-old raises troubling questions. One might ask: if a minor is deemed capable of making decisions about an irreversible intervention, why should they not also be permitted to make decisions about marriage or purchasing property?
Across the world, several countries are reassessing the early transition of minors, suspending or banning treatments that could cause lasting physical and psychological harm. The risk of permanent damage and the growing number of critical voices regarding these treatments call for a deeper reflection.
