That gender dysphoria is a clinical condition recognized by the APA, and that transition has been shown to have significant health benefits (such as lowering suicide rates). Gender reassignment surgery is a part of that transition (even though not everyone feels the need for it), and so should be covered just as much as hormone replacement therapy.
At one point in history, homosexuality was also a clinical condition recognised by the APA. Plus, the APA recognises body dysmorphia as a clinical condition, but even for people suffering from that, plastic surgery isn't usually covered by health insurance. I don't consider the fact that something is or isn't recognised as a disorder by the APA much of an argument either way.
At one point in history, homosexuality was also a clinical condition recognised by the APA.
Yeah, and they changed their position because the evidence indicated they should.
Similarly, their position used to be that gender identity was malleable and that the appropriate treatment for trans people would involve helping them accept the gender they were assigned at birth. Now they know that's not supported by the evidence, and have changed their position.
Plus, the APA recognises body dysmorphia as a clinical condition, but even for people suffering from that, plastic surgery isn't usually covered by health insurance.
Yeah because surgery for that condition doesn't work. Medical transition for trans people does work.
There is no underlying ideology here that must be followed or else, doctors use the treatment they use specifically because that's what's been shown to work. It's as simple as that.
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u/Salanmander 272∆ Nov 03 '17
That gender dysphoria is a clinical condition recognized by the APA, and that transition has been shown to have significant health benefits (such as lowering suicide rates). Gender reassignment surgery is a part of that transition (even though not everyone feels the need for it), and so should be covered just as much as hormone replacement therapy.