Professional Integrity Example
In 2016, a physician scheduled a hysterectomy for a trans male patient at a Catholic hospital in CA. The procedure was cancelled by the hospital once they became aware that this procedure was part of the patient’s gender transition.
Triangle of Conscience
Facility
The facility in this example regularly allows hysterectomies to be performed on women who are not transgender. The facility claimed that performing this procedure as part of gender affirmation was in violation of the Ethical and Religious Directives (ERDs).
Provider
The provider in this case felt that performing this procedure was in the best interest of the patient. The provider was not aware of the impact of the ERDs on her patient’s ability to receive this procedure at this facility.
Patient
The patient in this case felt that his right to receive proper treatment had been violated, and filed a lawsuit against the health care system that owned the facility.