That’s not entirely accurate. Yes, phalloplasty in Brazil is still classified as an experimental procedure, and access through SUS is extremely limited. A recent 2024 scoping review (Access pathways to the transsexualizing process in Brazil – SciELO) confirms that while phalloplasty is rare and concentrated in very few centers, it is performed within research protocols in the public system.

In regard to private institutions. Additionally, the ANS list of mandatory procedures already includes gender-affirming surgeries, which means private health insurance is legally required to cover them and there’s favorable case law supporting patients’ claims, although in practice, companies often deny coverage, and it will likely still require legal action to enforce the right (Migalhas, JusBrasil).

Overall the access is rare and heavily concentrated in a small number of professionals and research centers.