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Published
2023-12-06
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Analytical Essays
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Copyright (c) 2023 Shade Kirjava, Darshana Rawal, Dr. Botzum
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How transphobic legislation affects ethical service delivery for allied healthcare providers
Shade Kirjava
University of California, Irvine
Darshana Rawal
University of California, Irvine
Henry Botzum
Widex USA
Abstract
Roughly 7.1% Americans identify as LGBTQ+ with around 0.7% or 2.3 million Americans identifying as transgender (1). Though only 30% of people may report knowing someone who is transgender, many more transgender people are less visible because they have not disclosed their status as transgender (2). It is likely that many allied healthcare providers work with transgender and gender diverse people without even being aware of their patient’s gender identity.
Recent legislation in the United States affects healthcare service delivery for people who are transgender, including hearing healthcare and particularly for transgender minors. This legislation causes ethical conflicts for healthcare providers who provide services to transgender and gender diverse minors. State law in some states contradicts federal policy and allied health professional organizations’ codes of ethics. Further, these laws can defy the best available evidence on how to provide affirming, inclusive healthcare services for people who are transgender. This article summarizes the current state of the dynamically changing legal landscape around providing healthcare services to people who are transgender and discusses ethical conflicts that healthcare providers face in response to these policies.
