Last month, the Pentagon released a report Mr. Mattis sent to President Donald Trump that outlined his policy recommendations for transgender troops in the military. Mr. Mattis wrote there is a “substantial risk” in allowing transgender individuals with gender dysphoria to join the military due to research that indicates high rates of suicide, anxiety and depression among these individuals.
The AMA argued Mr. Mattis’ analysis misrepresents the findings of the research, which often point to discrimination as a root cause of suicide.
“We believe there is no medically valid reason — including a diagnosis of gender dysphoria — to exclude transgender individuals from military service,” AMA CEO James Madara, MD, wrote in a letter to Mr. Mattis, according to The Hill. “Transgender individuals have served, and continue to serve, our country with honor, and we believe they should be allowed to continue doing so.”
More articles on leadership and management:
Ascension charts new strategic direction: 4 things to know
Leaders of planned Pennsylvania microhospital terminated: 6 things to know
Corner Office: Cleveland Clinic Chief Experience Officer Dr. Adrienne Boissy on healthcare’s most undervalued skill
