What began as a simple phone call for a routine medical appointment quickly escalated into a controversy that has captured national attention.
Jessica Yaniv, a transgender woman from Canada, claims she was told by a gynecologist’s office: “we don’t serve transgender patients.”
The blunt refusal left her shocked and hurt, igniting widespread online debate and raising difficult questions about the state of transgender healthcare: is this outright discrimination, or a reflection of gaps in medical training and awareness?
A Denial That Shocked
Yaniv recounted the encounter as deeply upsetting. She had reached out to schedule a procedure, only to be met with what she described as a categorical refusal.
“I was shocked, confused, and hurt,” she said. Seeking clarification, she tagged the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia on social media, asking whether such actions were even legal.
The College confirmed that refusing care on the basis of gender identity could constitute discrimination. However, it later clarified that it had not issued a formal ruling on her specific case, emphasizing that their role is to guide patients through filing complaints if they choose to do so.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time Yaniv has drawn public attention over alleged discrimination disputes. In 2019, she filed complaints against several beauty salons that refused to perform Brazilian waxing on her male genitalia. Those cases sparked national debate, with some businesses closing as a result. A human rights tribunal ultimately dismissed the claims, suggesting Yaniv had leveraged the system more for personal gain than to address systemic discrimination.
While the gynecologist involved in this current case has not made a public statement, similar scenarios around the world illustrate the complexities involved in treating transgender patients. In France, a doctor initially refused to see a trans woman, citing limited expertise.
Though he offered referrals, comments suggesting he only treated “real women” fueled backlash before he apologized.
Medical Challenges and Training
Medical professionals note that anatomical differences—especially for transgender women who have undergone gender-affirming surgery—can make certain procedures more complex. One gynecologist explained, “A neo-vagina is not the same as a natural vagina,” emphasizing the need for specialized knowledge. Another expert noted that routine gynecological screenings are generally unnecessary for trans women unless there are surgical complications, since they do not possess a cervix or uterus.
While some medical schools have begun incorporating transgender healthcare into their curriculum, specialized training remains limited. Advocates argue that lack of training should never justify blanket refusals: “LGBTQ people seek the same medical care as anyone else—their identity should not change their right to receive it,” said one health advocate.
Real Consequences
The stakes of denial can be life-threatening. A transgender man in the United States, for example, was repeatedly denied gynecological care over a year before a doctor finally examined him—by which time he was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Studies suggest that nearly one-quarter of transgender individuals avoid medical care due to fear of mistreatment, and among those who do seek care, almost half report negative experiences.
Experts suggest that the solution lies in clear guidelines rather than eliminating specialization. Providers must understand when refusal is genuinely based on competency versus when it veers into discrimination. A director of a transgender healthcare center emphasized: “Ignorance is never an excuse for refusing care. Patients deserve both safety and respect.”
Growing Urgency
As diagnoses of gender dysphoria rise globally—one European study reported a tenfold increase between 2013 and 2020—the need for inclusive, competent healthcare is more pressing than ever. Yaniv’s complaint remains under review, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons has declined to comment on active cases. Yet the discussion it has sparked underscores a broader systemic challenge: healthcare systems must evolve to serve all patients, balancing professional expertise with equitable access.
🔹 Conclusion
Jessica Yaniv’s experience is emblematic of a larger struggle within healthcare: how to ensure transgender patients receive care without compromising safety or professional standards. Refusals without proper referral leave patients vulnerable, and bias masquerading as medical limitation only compounds the problem.
Her case highlights the urgent need for better training, clearer guidelines, and stronger protections so that no patient faces the impossible question of whether the doors of healthcare will open—or close—because of who they are.