NYC Moves Closer To Easing Gender Changes For Birth Certificates

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - New York City health officials have moved closer to easing the process of changing the gender on a birth certificate.

The Board of Health voted unanimously Tuesday to publish for public comment a proposed health code modification supported by transgender rights advocates.

Assistant Commissioner Gretchen Van Wye notes that people may identify as a particular gender without having surgery.

She says a new rule would instead require health professionals ranging from physicians to clinical social workers to affirm the gender change.

Vermont, Washington D.C., California, Oregon and New York state have removed surgery requirements. New York City issues its own birth certificates.

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