On behalf of the Commonwealth’s physicians, PAs, residents, and medical students, the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) supports the petitioner’s request to ban behavior analysts from using conversion therapy, shock therapy, and the use of a graduated electronic decelerator to modify behavior. The petitioner’s request aligns with MSV policy prohibiting the use of conversation therapy or any similar practice.

Conversion therapy, which aims to change a person’s sexual orientation, has no substantial evidence-based research demonstrating its efficacy. The American Psychiatric Association has shown that conversion therapy increases the risk of depression, guilt, helplessness, suicidality, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behaviors in LGBTQ youth.

As an organization of healthcare providers, the MSV is supportive of measures that aim to protect Virginians from serious illness, reduce the rate of hospitalizations, and ease the overall burden on our healthcare system. Conversion therapy achieves none of these noble objectives, and in fact, is proven to harm patients rather than help them. We therefore support the petitioner’s request.

To discuss this matter further, please contact Clark Barrineau, Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs and Health Policy at the Medical Society of Virginia, at cbarrineau@msv.org.

Thank you for the consideration.