Discrimination in Healthcare
- We Unite
- Aug 13, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 9, 2020
As history and time surpass, the phrase “all men are created equal” from the Declaration of Independence ultimately proves that there is no “equal” treatment of all human beings in society. This becomes evident for the LGBTQ+ community, which is made up of people that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and etc. In America, since the Stonewall Protests in 1969, the LGBTQ+ community has consistently experienced obstacles in attaining their equal rights.
Today, President Donald Trump and his administration at the White House are supporting the healthcare discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals. WGBH-TV, a public broadcasting station in Boston, Massachusetts, explains the harsh and indifferent healthcare experiences that members of the community have experienced. At Fenway Health, an LGBTQ+ health care organization, numerous patients did not receive the proper care they deserve because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. When LGBTQ+ patients are treated unfairly, denied care, or lectured, it causes many of them to lose trust in the healthcare system. When serious health complications rise, they will avoid seeking help because of the fear that they will be judged and denied treatment.
Additionally, the Trump administration is seeking to eliminate LGBTQ+ discrimination protections from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed by Former President Barack Obama in 2010. The Trump administration’s proposal in 2019 to remove these protections was met with criticism by millions of Americans. In 2020, the administration further pursued the same ideas as the year prior in response to the Supreme Court’s decision that “discrimination on the basis of transgender status or sexual orientation is unlawful” (King 5). The Trump administration’s new rule states that those working in religious hospitals and health care organizations are able to refuse care to the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, by sending patients away, it will increase the risk of being denied care and health insurance once again. In 2020, the deadly global coronavirus pandemic is harming the health of millions of people. Without the proper care for LGBTQ+ individuals, it would cost more lives at the expense of our economy and country. Similarly, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson fires back at the Trump Administration and has filed 66 lawsuits against them to demand that unbiased healthcare be provided to all Americans.
As an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I want to extend the message that your feelings are valid and you are all LOVED. I will stand and support you all until the end.
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Written by Kelly Xie from New York
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