U.S. Catholic bishops voted on Wednesday to enact a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender patients at Catholic hospitals. This vote marks a significant step in formalizing the church's stance on transgender health care, which has been a topic of extensive debate in recent years.
Taking place in a ballroom in Baltimore, the bishops overwhelmingly approved revisions to their ethical and religious directives that govern Catholic health institutions across the nation. A significant portion of the U.S. population receives care from Catholic hospitals, and in many communities, these facilities provide essential health services.
Although major medical organizations advocate for gender-affirming care, Catholic hospitals have largely refrained from providing these services, which include hormonal, psychological, and surgical treatments. The new directives will make it mandatory for bishops to uphold this position across their dioceses.
“It’s important for the church to make a strong statement regarding gender ideology,” stated Bishop Robert Barron of the Winona-Rochester diocese during discussions on the new directives.
The Catholic Health Association has recognized the bishops' decision, thanking them for incorporating feedback from the organization. In their statement, they emphasized the ongoing commitment of Catholic providers to treat transgender individuals with dignity and respect, while adhering to the church’s moral obligations.
This ban is part of a broader push within the Catholic Church, reinforced by a 2023 doctrinal note asserting that Catholic health services cannot perform interventions aimed at altering sexual characteristics. The guidelines introduced by the bishops echo earlier Vatican documents, further cementing the Catholic Church's conservative approach to gender identity.
Despite the church’s clear directives, voices within the faith community advocate for a more inclusive approach. Progressive factions within Catholicism emphasize the importance of recognizing and supporting the dignity of transgender individuals. Activists argue that for many, gender-affirming care is crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
On the same day of the bishops' vote, leaders from various progressive religious groups issued a joint statement in support of transgender and nonbinary people, calling attention to the danger posed by discriminatory legislation. This illustrates the division within religious circles concerning LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting that not all faith communities share the same outlook.
The bishops also addressed immigration concerns during their conference, showcasing a unified stance on advocating for reform in the immigration system as well as condemning indiscriminate deportation policies.
