WHO considering declassifying ‘transgender’ as mental illness

Being transgender, according to the World Health Organization (“WHO”), is a mental illness; however, that classification could soon change.

The organization is preparing a new edition of the International Classification of Diseases (“ICD”). The global codebook influences disease diagnostic manuals worldwide.

The Washington Post reports proposals to declassify transgender identity as a mental disorder have been reportedly approved by each committee that has considered it so far.

A study published this week in the journal Lancet Psychiatry has presented new evidence which support the change.

The current version of the ICD was endorsed in 1990. The newest edition is due in 2018.