There is no legal age restriction on prescribing or dispensing hormones for gender-affirming care in the UK or many other countries. If your pharmacy is refusing to dispense your prescription, you have certain rights and options available:
1. Know Your Rights
- Access to Care: As a patient, you have the right to receive treatment that has been prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. There are no legal age restrictions on hormones used for gender-affirming care as long as they are prescribed by your doctor.
- Equality Laws: Discrimination on the basis of gender identity or age may be against your local equality laws (such as the UK Equality Act 2010). Pharmacies cannot refuse service solely based on your gender reassignment or age if it is legal for you to be prescribed the treatment.
2. Bring Your Treatment Recommendation
Take your Treatment Recommendation and prescription with you to the pharmacy. This official document serves as proof that your hormones have been prescribed as part of your gender-affirming care and are medically necessary.
Please refer to this Knowledge Base article for more information: The pharmacy didn’t dispense and I need another prescription. What should I do?
3. Request an Explanation
- Be assertive: Politely but firmly ask the pharmacist to explain their refusal in writing, specifying the legal or medical basis for their decision to refuse dispensing due to your age or gender transition.
- If the refusal is based on personal or discriminatory beliefs, the pharmacy is required by law in many places to justify their refusal with a valid reason. Asking for this in writing will make it easier to escalate the issue if needed.
Read more: My pharmacy refuses to dispense. What do I do?
4. Try a Different Pharmacy
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from others in your community or online support groups who are familiar with gender-affirming care. They can help direct you to more supportive or experienced pharmacies in your area.
- Call Ahead: Contact a pharmacy before going to confirm that they are willing to dispense your prescription, which may save you time and avoid unnecessary stress.
5. Escalate If Necessary
- You may also choose to file a formal complaint with the pharmacy’s management, professional regulatory bodies (e.g., the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK), or legal support organisations.
6. Legal and Advocacy Support
- If you believe you have been discriminated against based on your age or gender identity, you can seek assistance from advocacy groups or legal organisations specialising in LGBTQ+ rights. They can help you navigate your rights and, if necessary, escalate your case to a higher authority.
Remember, you have the right to access your prescribed medications without discrimination. Don’t hesitate to stand up for yourself and seek support if needed.