A French doctor sparked global debate after refusing to treat a transgender woman at his clinic.
Refusal Sparks Public Backlash
Dr. Victor Acharian refused to examine the patient and cited a lack of expertise. He publicly wrote that he had no expertise to deal with men. LGBT groups soon accused the doctor of discrimination and transphobia. One group filed a police complaint against him following the incident. Later, Acharian apologized on French radio for his clumsy and angry wording.
Limits of Medical Expertise
The doctor claimed he offered a referral to a specialized clinic. He said he does not know how to treat trans people. “I thought I was being honest when I said it wasn’t my speciality”. However, the patient left the clinic after accusing him of transphobia. Some professionals agree that treating trans patients requires very specific training.
Debate Over Women’s Care
Feminists Marguerite Stern and Dora Moutot defended the doctor in a local newspaper. They argued that gynecologists are trained for female reproductive biology. Stern noted that trans women do not experience menstruation or menopause. Also, she worried that expanding patient bases could worsen healthcare for women.
Trans Healthcare Access Issues
Advocacy groups argue that gynecologists must provide care for trans women. Refusing such care increases the barriers these patients already face. French law allows citizens to change gender legally without surgery. Still, medical ethics and professional boundaries remain a major point of tension.