The Federal Court Examines the Financial Aspects of Preserving Sperm for Gender Equality Advocacy
The German Social Court in Kassel is tackling the issue on Wednesday (10:45 AM) about whether standard health insurance providers should fund the preservation of frozen semen before gender transition. The 25-year-old claimant, as per the court, is planning to transition from male to female and wishes to maintain the possibility of having biological offspring. (Case No. B 1 KR 28/23 R)
His health insurance company, according to the BSG, declined to cover the expenses associated with the preservation process, often referred to as cryopreservation, and long-term storage of his sperm. They referenced the pertinent regulations in the Social Security Code and the guidelines of the Joint Federal Committee as their justification. The claimant opted to cover the costs himself and now requests reimbursement of an initial 694 euros.
The German Social Court's consideration of the case highlights the need for gender equality, as the claimant argues for insurance coverage for semen preservation before transition. Despite the claimant's plan to transition and retain biological offspring potential, the health insurance company refuses to cover the expenses, citing regulatory restrictions.
