Reykjavik Dad Loses Custody Over Gender Transition Row
A Reykjavik father claims he was stripped of custody of his 10-year-old autistic son after refusing to let him undergo gender transition and identify as a girl. His emotional video explaining the ordeal has gone viral, sparking fierce debate online.
Father’s Battle: “I Said No to Puberty Blockers”
Alexander Rocha revealed, “Last December, the court took my son away from me. Why? Because I wouldn’t allow my 10-year-old son to start gender transition and identify as a girl.”
Rocha slammed medical treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy. “My son is already on the autism spectrum. I won’t let him go through life-altering procedures that change his body and mind,” he said.
Gender healthcare in Iceland follows the Gender Autonomy Act No. 80/2019, which sets up specialist teams and appeals but doesn’t explicitly permit or ban puberty blockers. Instead, these treatments fall under general medical law and child welfare rules.
This murky system lets doctors petition authorities if they believe parents are blocking “necessary” medical care. It’s a legal tug-of-war between parental rights and medical decisions — especially complicated when autism is involved.
What’s Next For Rocha and His Son?
The full details of the court’s ruling and medical advice remain under wraps. Rocha has launched an appeal that could restore his custody rights or uphold the original decision. It’s unclear if he can see his son during the process or how long the appeal might take.
This high-profile battle could shape Iceland’s future approach to disputes over gender treatment for minors. Families and courts alike are watching closely as the drama unfolds.
