by Jason Coon
In July of 2023, we had the privilege of sharing an article at the CBA that shed light on the challenges faced by individuals who have decided to “de-transition” back to their birth sex. Often, these individuals find themselves feeling isolated, as those who previously supported their transition may now be absent as they embark on this courageous journey.
Last month, our journey of discovery of a healthcare “Bill of Rights” aimed at better supporting those detranstionings.
Working in collaboration with gender detransitioner Cloe Cole, a group of leaders at donoharmmedicine.org crafted a “Detransitions Bill of Rights” designed to ensure that individuals in this category receive medical care and treatment with the same rights and dignity as those seeking to transition.
As I delved into this Bill of Rights, I was struck by the profound resonances it shares with both Catholic Teachings and the principles of medical conscious rights. In recognizing these parallels, we take a crucial step in our efforts to reach out and extend compassion to those who have faced the challenges of irreversible procedures, especially in the face of potential government mandates that include the requirement for health plans to cover “Gender Affirming Care.”
Commonalities found among the DeTransitioner’s Bill of Rights, Catholic Teaching, and Medical Conscious Rights:
- Informed Consent: Both the provided bill and Catholic Teachings emphasize the importance of informed consent in medical decision-making. Informed consent is a fundamental principle of medical ethics and aligns with the respect for individual autonomy found in Catholic Teachings.
- Access to Medical Records: Both the bill and Catholic Teachings recognize the importance of parents or legal guardians having access to medical records, but they also acknowledge exceptions in cases involving harm, abuse, or neglect.
- Prohibition of Unprofessional Conduct: The bill includes provisions for disciplining healthcare professionals who knowingly violate the law, which aligns with the principles of accountability and responsible conduct found in medical conscious rights and Catholic Teachings.
- Mental Health Therapy: The bill ensures the right to mental health therapy for minors dealing with issues related to gender identity, reflecting a commitment to mental health care, which is also in line with medical conscious rights.
- Transparency and Reporting: The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and reporting in gender clinics, ensuring data is collected and reported to appropriate agencies. This aligns with the idea of transparency and accountability in medical care, as well as the need for data collection, which is part of responsible medical practice.
- Coverage for Detransition Procedures: The bill requires that insurance policies covering gender transition procedures also cover detransition procedures, demonstrating an attempt to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage. I’ve shared concerns in the past about one way medicine and patient rights within “advocacy medicine” today.
- Protection from Harm: The bill acknowledges potential risks associated with certain medical procedures, such as sterilization and physical harm, reflecting a concern for the well-being of individuals.
- Access to Healthcare: The bill ensures access to healthcare for minors facing gender-related issues, reflecting the principle of equitable access to healthcare found in Catholic Teachings and medical conscious rights.
- Legal Recourse: The bill provides for legal recourse and the right to seek damages for individuals or parents/guardians in case of violations, which aligns with the concept of justice and accountability in both Catholic Teachings and medical conscious rights.
- Investigation and Enforcement: The bill allows for the Attorney General to investigate and enforce compliance, reflecting the need for oversight and enforcement of healthcare regulations, which is also present in medical conscious rights.
Compassion for detransitioners is not only crucial but also a reflection of the love of Jesus Christ, as it plays a pivotal role in ensuring their emotional and mental well-being throughout their complex and emotionally charged journey. Organizations that extend a hand of understanding and support embody the teachings of Christ, empowering detransitioners to reintegrate, heal, and thrive in their lives, just as Jesus showed compassion to those in need.
Detransitioning is very real and the challenges that come from it are often overlooked. There is no greater source of understanding than the stories of those going through or who have been through the process.
Dioceses may wish to discuss this topic with their youth ministry group leaders to help educate them with these challenges some facing young adults and discuss a game plan for drawing near them for any help they may need.
By sharing these commonalities and areas of assistance, we begin to see a roadmap of the different ways to aid those involved in this difficult medical journey.