Jessica Yaniv, a trans woman from Canada, has filed a complaint after being refused care by a gynecologist because of her transgender status. This case comes after Yaniv’s previous complaints against beauty salons that refused to wax her. The incident has sparked new talks about healthcare access for transgender patients, doctor qualifications, and patient rights.
The case has drawn much attention online. Debates now focus on transgender rights and healthcare ethics. According to Yaniv, the gynecologist’s office simply told her “we don’t serve transgender patients.” Yaniv has not revealed the specific medical care she sought.
{snip}
“Are they allowed to do that, legally? Isn’t that against the college practices,” Yaniv tweeted. She later claimed the College confirmed to her that refusing treatment to transgender patients is discrimination. The regulatory body later clarified this statement. “College staff never offer opinions on specific situations discussed over the phone with patients,” the College stated. “Staff refer callers to practice standards to guide them in making their own decision about whether or not to file a complaint.”
This isn’t Yaniv’s first discrimination claim. In 2019, she filed complaints against several Vancouver beauty technicians who refused to provide Brazilian wax services on her male genitalia. These complaints had major effects, including two small businesses closing. Yaniv sought up to $15,000 from each business. Those previous complaints were dismissed by a human rights tribunal. The ruling noted that Yaniv’s “predominant motive in filing her waxing complaints is not to prevent or remedy alleged discrimination, but to target small businesses for personal financial gain.“
{snip}
A similar case in France involved a doctor who declined to treat a transgender woman. “I told her that I’m not competent, but I can guide you. I can refer you to services that can take better care of you,” the doctor told the media. Though he first cited professional limits, he later made comments about treating “real women,” which he later apologized for.
Medical experts point out physical differences that affect treatment approaches. “Just because it’s a cavity doesn’t mean it’s a classic vagina,” explained one doctor who had refused a trans woman care, while admitting his lack of knowledge about transgender patients. Neo-vaginas created through gender-affirming surgery differ from natal female anatomy, often needing specialized knowledge.
{snip}
Drawing Lines in the Waiting Room: Trans Women Refused Care
Cases like Yaniv’s highlight the balance between ensuring trans patients receive care and respecting doctors’ scope of practice. In Canada, protection against discrimination based on gender identity varies by province.
Laws typically distinguish between refusing service based on identity versus declining procedures due to training limits. A patient advocate noted: “LGBTQ people seek medical care. The care they seek is no different just because they’re LGBTQ.” Many medical groups recognize that certain aspects of transgender healthcare may require special knowledge.
{snip}
“I find it incredibly alarming that I have all the tools to navigate healthcare, and I still almost died because of discrimination,” he shared. His experience shows how refusals to provide care without proper referrals can put patients at risk. Research shows this is not a rare problem. A recent study found that nearly 25% of transgender people avoided needed medical visits due to fear of mistreatment. Among those who did seek care, almost half reported negative experiences with healthcare providers.
Healing the System
Medical experts suggest that improving protocols rather than removing specialization may provide the best path forward. A medical director at a transgender healthcare center stated: “Providers need clear guidance on when referral is the right standard of care versus when it counts as discrimination.” Progress requires both reducing stigma throughout healthcare and expanding special training for providers. A healthcare educator explained: “It’s not an excuse to say, ‘I don’t know about trans people, so I can’t care for a trans person.’ But we also need to see that some aspects of transgender healthcare require special knowledge.”
{snip}
Yaniv’s complaint remains under review, with the College of Physicians and Surgeons declining to comment on ongoing cases. As more clinics continue to deny trans women care, this case prompts important questions about how medical systems can balance inclusive access with appropriate specialized care. The growing visibility of transgender healthcare needs makes addressing these issues more urgent than ever.
(*) This article is biased in favor of men wearing dresses, but its purpose here on AltrightTV is to show that if we stand together, we can stop this crazy nonsense.
* Original Article:
Gynecologist Refuses to Treat Trans Woman, Sparking Backlash Over Refused Care
