Gender-Affirming Procedures: PM Responds to Parliamentary Inquiry

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has commented on the situation surrounding gender-affirming surgeries following a parliamentary inquiry, Orda.kz reports.

In response to a formal request from Majilis deputy Magerram Magerramov, the Prime Minister stated that such surgeries receive no funding from the state budget.

In February, Magerramov, a member of the People's Party of Kazakhstan, submitted a written inquiry expressing concern that Kazakhstan does not prohibit gender reassignment surgeries for individuals with gender dysphoria.

Citing President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev’s emphasis on traditional family values, the deputy proposed a ban on such procedures until relevant legislation is amended.

Magerramov also sought clarification on whether surgeries are permitted in cases involving gender dysphoria, how many such operations have taken place in Kazakhstan, whether they are publicly funded, and whether they align with medical ethics.

Olzhas Bektenov responded a month later:

According to medical information systems, there are currently no registered cases of surgical gender correction in the Republic of Kazakhstan. In addition, operations of this nature are not financed from the state budget, including the guaranteed volume of free medical care and the system of compulsory social health insurance. Plastic surgeries of this kind are not included in the list of medical services subject to payment from these sources.

Bektenov also noted that the government remains open to continued dialogue on the matter.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov