A British Columbia gynecologist’s refusal to treat transgender activist Jessica Yaniv has reignited debates about medical discrimination. Yaniv, known for previous human rights complaints against beauty salons, shared her latest experience online after being told the practice didn’t serve transgender patients.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons responded carefully, avoiding comment on the specific case while noting that blanket refusal of care based on gender identity violates anti-discrimination standards. This cautious approach reflects the nuanced reality of transgender healthcare – while some procedures require specialized training, basic refusal without referral creates dangerous barriers.
Statistics show transgender individuals frequently avoid medical care due to fear of discrimination, with half reporting negative healthcare experiences. Cases like Yaniv’s highlight the urgent need for better physician education and clearer protocols to ensure all patients receive appropriate care without facing blanket rejections.
As medical schools expand transgender health curricula and institutions develop specialized programs, the healthcare system continues evolving to meet these challenges. However, incidents like this demonstrate how far there still is to go in achieving truly inclusive medical care.
