In a significant decision that has ramifications for healthcare in the U.S., Catholic bishops have formally voted to ban gender-affirming care for transgender patients in Catholic hospitals. This announcement comes from a meeting held in Baltimore, where the bishops overwhelmingly approved revisions to their ethical and religious directives for health care institutions.
Currently, one in seven patients treated in the U.S. attend Catholic hospitals, many of which are the only healthcare option available in certain communities.
Major medical groups advocate for gender-affirming care, which can include hormonal, psychological, and surgical treatments. However, the majority of Catholic health care institutions have historically adopted a conservative stance, opting not to offer these services. The new directives pave the way for bishops to autonomously legislate these guidelines in their respective dioceses.
With regard to gender ideology, it’s crucial for the church to take a strong stand on the matter, said Bishop Robert Barron of the Winona-Rochester diocese during the discussions surrounding these updates.
The Catholic Health Association expressed gratitude for the incorporation of their feedback into the new directives, emphasizing that they will continue to respect and treat transgender patients with dignity, aligning with Catholic social teachings.
These directives also echo previous Vatican documents addressing gender identity published in 2024 and a 2023 declaration from U.S. bishops, which indicated that Catholic health services should not undertake procedures aimed at altering a person's sexual characteristics.
Responses from the Community
The Catholic Church is not monolithic regarding transgender issues; attitudes vary significantly across hierarchies and individual parishes. For many transgender Catholics, access to gender-affirming care is considered essential for living authentically.
As advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion evolves, significant voices within the Church, like those from the New Ways Ministry, champion the belief that transitioning is not only a physical necessity but also a spiritual one.
On the same day as the bishops' decision, leaders from various progressive religious organizations expressed their support for transgender rights, highlighting that many faith leaders affirm and support the rights of transgender individuals amidst challenging legislative environments.
Bishops Address Other Concerns
In addition to the gender-affirming care ban, the bishops released a message addressing immigration, showcasing their shared concern for marginalized communities. This message reiterates a longstanding commitment to humanitarian response within U.S. immigration policies.
This dual focus – on transgender issues and the treatment of migrants – underscores the complex landscape of social justice that the Catholic Church navigates within its extensive global community.
