In Good Conscience
Editor’s note: The political is personal, especially now. We are glad to include the following dispatch from the frontline, if you will, a Christian whose Word-informed conscience can no longer just follow orders. Beth is writing more on discrimination against medical staff who wish to “do no harm” and we hope to publish some more of her work here. There is no alarm for those who are trusting in Jesus Christ, but it is good to pray for these schemes to fail.
By Beth Rempe
On Wednesday, Jan 17, the Missouri House of Representatives held hearings for House Bill 1519 which "Prohibits discrimination against health care professionals who refuse to assist in medical procedures or treatments relating to sex reassignment or gender identity transitioning." If passed into law, it would be a wonderful development for Missouri. (I hope it would catch on in other states.)
Do No Harm Medicine asked me to submit testimony that they could use at this hearing. Below is my written statement.
My name is Beth Rempe, and I am a registered nurse. I am honored to speak out in strong support of legislation prohibiting discrimination against health care professionals who refuse to assist in medical procedures or treatments relating to sex reassignment or gender identity transitioning. Sadly, the times we live in demand such a law in order to ensure that communities can train and retain health care providers who hold to high ethical and moral standards and can engage critical thinking skills when caring for their patients without fear of reprisal. As it stands, when it comes to the very controversial treatments regarding gender dysphoria and gender transition, in many institutions, medical professionals must choose to go along to get along, thus violating their consciences and ignoring their concerns for their patients--or lose their job. I worked at Children’s National Hospital from 2005 to January of 2022. During the later years, I completed the hospital’s training modules regarding so-called “gender affirming” care provided at Children’s and learned its expectations and protocols. In 2021, my patient assignment included a young teen girl who identified as male and had begun hormonal treatments. I realized I could potentially participate in a “treatment” that I believed to be extremely harmful to a vulnerable girl who needed compassionate care, but not care that would damage her body or lead to greater confusion. At that moment, I had to decide if I would just keep my head down, disregard my conscience, and do what was expected of me, or request an exemption from having to participate. I chose the latter. Unfortunately, my request was denied. The nursing director of acute care informed me that after consulting with their legal and ethics department, as well as the American Nurses Association, the hospital administration would not grant me an exemption. I could not switch my patient assignment. I had to administer what was ordered. And I had to use the patient’s preferred pronouns. I was very disappointed. I loved my job and believed I did it well. It provided great stability for my family, and I had intended on staying on for many more years. I tried to continue working in the hopes that this situation was rare enough that I would not have to encounter it again. Sadly, the epidemic of gender confusion among teen girls spilled over onto my unit. In order to avoid putting my supervisor in a position of having to fire me, I ultimately chose to quit. I think about many other healthcare professionals in my position. What would happen to a resident doctor completing his training if he did not agree with the affirmation only model of care? Would his professional aspirations come to a screeching halt with only loads of debt to show for years of hard work? The pediatric practice where I take my own kids now lists “sex assigned at birth” on their medical records. What about the pediatricians who work there? Must they now refer patients to gender clinics every time one expresses gender confusion just so they can continue treating infected ears and strep throats? Those who chose to enter the field of healthcare to do good are now forced to violate their oath to “do no harm” if they desire to continue. Some may ask if a healthcare worker disagrees with their institution’s policies and protocols regarding gender transition, why doesn’t he or she work someplace else? Oh, if it were that easy! Due to the complexity of healthcare, large health systems have engulfed many practices and hospitals, giving corporate executives great power in dictating the protocols that impact thousands and thousands of employees. The healthcare execs covet awards and recognitions for their institutions, such as the Health Equality Index Leader Award given by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Trainings and protocols are established to maintain their hospital’s status in the eyes of the HRC. Of note, the HRC boasts of twelve Missouri hospitals or healthcare facilities who have received a perfect score. Do independent hospitals and practices exist that could potentially employ a professional of conscience? There are still a few, but they are quickly dwindling. What about those considering entering the medical field? Is it possible for them to complete their training without assenting to treatments they believe to be harmful? My advice to high schoolers planning to work in healthcare is to choose their schools very wisely. Research not only the school but also the medical facilities they would train at. Recognizing the climate of healthcare these days, many bright, conscientious young people are deciding not to pursue healthcare, a great loss to our communities. Finally, a doctor, nurse, or any medical professional should never be afraid to share a concern about a particular method of treatment. The push toward affirmation only care has stifled any sort of fruitful discussion. I truly felt a censoring of speech at my previous employment. No one dare suggest that there may be other options than transitioning for patients seeking it. Missouri, should you make this bill law, your state could be a bastion for medical professionals who have integrity, think critically, and do not just blindly follow the latest social trends and political pressures. It would benefit not only those whose livelihoods are in healthcare, but also the general population seeking care from professionals who truly care. Your positive impact on Missouri will be immense. Thank you.