Sharing WPATH’s April newsletter

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health has released its latest Presidential Newsletter, providing updates on current challenges, advocacy efforts, and upcoming initiatives in the field of transgender health.
The newsletter highlights key developments affecting healthcare access, professional practice, and global collaboration, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to evidence-based care and the protection of human rights.

Key Updates from the WPATH Presidential Newsletter

The latest communication from WPATH outlines several important developments impacting the global landscape of transgender health.

Among the key themes addressed are:

Ongoing advocacy for evidence-based and patient-centered care
Institutional responses to policy and regulatory challenges
The importance of protecting professional autonomy in healthcare

Recent actions include legal and institutional efforts to respond to external pressures affecting clinical guidelines and medical decision-making. (WPATH)

Advocacy and Professional Autonomy

The document highlights several organizations that organize conferences of significance to EFS.

International Organizations of Relevance

These include:

World Association for Sexual Health, which offers space for an EFS symposium in its program
International Society for Sexual Medicine, for which the current status of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is unclear
European Society for Sexual Medicine, with an existing MOU
European Professional Association for Transgender Health, with ongoing discussions regarding collaboration and future agreements
World Sexual Health Alliance, a new initiative currently under development

Regarding EPATH, it is noted that space for an EFS symposium was not offered at the 2025 conference in Hamburg, although a joint EFS/EPATH symposium has been suggested for future events.

Global Context and Emerging Challenges

The newsletter also reflects on broader political and regulatory developments that may impact access to transgender healthcare.

Recent policy actions in the United States, for example, have raised concerns about restrictions on gender-affirming care and the use of clinical guidelines, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and international cooperation. (KFF)

Strengthening International Collaboration

In response to these challenges, WPATH underscores the importance of global collaboration among professionals, institutions, and organizations working in sexual and gender health.

Events such as the upcoming 2026 Scientific Symposium aim to foster knowledge exchange, research innovation, and interdisciplinary cooperation at an international level. (WPATH)

Looking Ahead

The newsletter reinforces WPATH’s long-standing mission to promote high-quality, evidence-based care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals worldwide.

Through advocacy, research, and professional education, the organization continues to play a central role in shaping the future of transgender health.

Read the full newsletter here

Newsletter WPATH

A Shared Commitment to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The ESCRH Position Paper reaffirms that sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental human rights and should be guaranteed to all individuals without discrimination, coercion, or violence. The document highlights the importance of evidence-based healthcare, equitable access to contraception, comprehensive sexuality education, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and protection from gender-based violence.

The position paper also emphasizes the need to address inequalities affecting marginalized populations, including adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, older adults, and sex workers. It calls for inclusive, accessible, and rights-based healthcare systems capable of meeting the needs of diverse communities.

Key Areas of Focus

Among its main recommendations, the document advocates for:

Universal access to modern contraception and family planning services;
Safe, legal, and dignified reproductive healthcare;
Comprehensive sexuality and reproductive health education throughout the lifespan;
Stronger prevention, screening, and treatment strategies for sexually transmitted infections and HIV;
Improved access to HPV vaccination and reproductive cancer prevention programs;
Action against gender-based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation;
Protection of evidence-based healthcare from misinformation and ideological interference.

The paper further highlights the importance of professional education, scientific research, and international collaboration in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Supporting Evidence-Based and Rights-Centred Healthcare

EFS shares the view that sexual and reproductive health is closely linked to human dignity, equality, public health, and social justice. The Federation therefore supports the principles and recommendations outlined in the ESCRH Position Paper and welcomes continued collaboration among professional organizations working to promote sexual health and wellbeing throughout Europe.

Read the Full Position Paper

EFS encourages members, professionals, and stakeholders to consult the complete document published by the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health.