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16 SEP 2011
Gay Doctors Ireland condemns Deputy Brian Walsh’s comments
Gay Doctors Ireland (GDI) Chairperson Dr. Conor Malone today challenged recent remarks made by Fine Gael TD Brian Walsh. In an Irish Times article on 14th September 2011, Deputy Walsh called on the Health Service Executive to cease provision of gender reassignment surgery for transgender patients.
“Deputy Walsh’s comments were ill-informed and inflammatory. Gender reassignment surgery is a perfectly valid and necessary medical procedure. It is a core treatment of a well-recognised condition and has been shown to greatly enhance the physical and mental health of transgender patients,” said Dr. Malone.
Medical Evidence
“The Irish and international medical communities have long recognised the necessity of providing this treatment. The medical evidence is unequivocal. Deputy Walsh’s claims that the surgery is ‘cosmetic’ or ‘elective’ are offensive and only serve to further marginalise vulnerable members of society,“ countered Malone.
He continued: “The transgender community in Ireland is small, therefore gender reassignment surgery is carried out in specialist centres abroad. This ensures the best medical care and is excellent value for money for the HSE. The benefits to patients, to their families, and to society are enormous.”
Human Rights
“Deputy Walsh questions the need for this surgery based on the policies of health insurance companies. This is a preposterous and unethical notion. Access to health care is a basic human right which has long been denied to the transgender community. Instead of targeting vulnerable minorities, our TDs and public representatives should be standing up for our rights,” said Malone.
“GDI supports transgender patients in seeking access to comprehensive medical, psychological and surgical services through the public health system. As taxpayers and citizens they deserve equal treatment,” he added.
Gender Recognition Legislation
“Deputy Walsh is seemingly unaware that he is at odds with his own party. The government is in the process of creating long-overdue legislation which will give legal recognition to transgender individuals. Gender reassignment surgery has been highlighted by the government as a proposed part of that legislation. It is surprising and disappointing that Deputy Walsh would seek to undermine his colleagues and government partners on this important issue,” Malone noted.
“GDI calls for equality under the law for transgender patients, in line with international best practice. This is the least we can expect for our patients. Medical care should not be hindered by bureaucracy and battles over birth certificates – we need progressive and powerful legislation which will finally give the transgender community the protection and rights they deserve,” Malone added.
He concluded: “I am confident that the entire medical community stands in solidarity with transgender patients. We call on our TDs to do the same.”
END/
Gay Doctors Ireland is a professional and educational organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender doctors and medical students in Ireland.
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