Conscientious Objection to Gender-Affirming Surgery: Institutional Experience and Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Surgical Education
• Gender-Affirming Care

Background:

• Academic institutions are increasingly offering gender-affirming surgery.
• This expansion presents challenges regarding trainee conscientious objection.
• Managing these objections is crucial for ethical surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss an institution's experience with residents' conscientious objection to gender-affirming surgery.
• To provide recommendations for other institutions facing similar ethical dilemmas.
• To explore the implications of conscientious objection in surgical residency.

Main Methods:

• Review of institutional experience with resident conscientious objection.
• Discussion of ethical arguments surrounding conscientious objection.
• Analysis of current U.S. federal policy on conscientious objector status.

Main Results:

• Gender-affirming surgery programs may encounter trainee conscientious objection.
• U.S. federal policy supports conscientious objector status for healthcare workers.
• Ethical considerations for both patients and trainees are complex.

Conclusions:

• Institutions should develop clear policies for managing conscientious objection in gender-affirming care.
• Recommendations are provided for addressing objections to gender-affirming surgery and other plastic surgery procedures.
• Proactive management is essential for maintaining ethical training standards and patient care.