Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
Guidance Document Change: Board of Medicine guidance on conversion therapy
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12/11/19  6:34 am
Commenter: Dr. Leanne Heaton

Support the ban on conversion therapy
 

Conversion therapy is a discredited practice in the scientific community.  It is based on the false claim that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) is a mental illness that needs to be cured. These practices use rejection, shame, and psychological abuse to force young people to try and change who they are. They are known to be extremely dangerous and can lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts. Mental health professionals should provide care that is ethical and affirming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people. They should seek to repair family relations through scientifically sound family acceptance practices. Affirming practices have a scientific basis.  Please vote to ban conversion therapy. 

CommentID: 77886