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  10:37 pm
Commenter: Mary Ann West

Continue to allow Medical and Counselling Services /Reject Guidance Document 85-7
 

Please reject Guidance Document 85-7 and continue to allow parents of minor children and adults to have options in the care of their children and/or themselves.  

First, in the case of parents, who have a fundamental right to make decisions for the care of their children, allowing treatments and counseling from professional medical/counseling persons who recommend and are competent to care for children, and with a parent's agreement, should continue to be able to do so.

Secondly, just to use an example, a certain percentage of adults who have been sexually abused as children, have a tendency to be "hyper-sexualized" and act out on that as they mature. This document, would "prohibit treatment" to "reduce sexual attractions", leaving these already suffering victims untreated. Cruel and Unusual Punishment! 

Thirdly, this document is worded in such a general way that it could prohibit almost anything in the care of a person with any kind of sexual/physiological disorder. A doctor/counselor should be able to use her/his best judgement in the care of a patient/client. 

Please reject this document and its intent.     

CommentID: 78415