German left-wing party Die Linke is calling for taxpayers to pay for permanent beard removal for trans women in the State of Baden-Württemberg.
In a press release published on August 21, Die Linke in Baden-Württemberg noted that trans women and women affected by extreme “hirsutism” can suffer from very strong beard growth but that health insurers refuse to reimburse them for permanent hair removal using needle epilation.
To solve this hairy situation, the left-wing party wants to make permanent beard removal for them free.
Ellena Schumacher Koelsch, member of the State executive board and designated lead candidate of the Left Party for the state elections, noted: “An entitlement that exists only on paper but not in reality is a glaring systemic failure.
“In Baden-Württemberg, not a single contracted physician offers the method of needle epilation anymore. As a result, those affected have no possibility at all to obtain the service.
“Because it is not economically worthwhile, the treatment is not offered in medical practises,” she said.
A court in Vienna has ruled that Austria's public health insurance must pay for the removal of facial hair from a trans woman who was born as a biological man. https://t.co/OyRNFBIbb2
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) March 19, 2025
Health insurers are only required to cover the costs of needle epilation if it is performed in a doctor’s office.
The practise, though, is only carried out by beauticians, so people cannot claim health insurance benefits. Doctors do offer laser epilations but those are considered slower and less effective.
“The silence of those politically responsible in this state speaks volumes about a problem that affects women. It unmasks the feminist veneer with which the state government wants to adorn itself as nothing but empty phrases,” Koelsch said.
Health insurance costs in Germany have risen significantly, with statutory contributions at 14.6 per cent of gross income plus a 2.5–2.9 per cent supplementary rate in 2025, totalling around 17 per cent.
Ageing populations and rising healthcare costs drive these increases, with projections suggesting costs reaching 20 per cent of gross income by 2030.
Germany’s finance minister has proposed raising income and estate taxes to cover the country’s ballooning budget deficit. https://t.co/sggtsFTFLO
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) August 18, 2025
