Jessica Yaniv, a trans woman from Canada, has filed a complaint after being refused care by a gynecologist because of her transgender status. This case comes after Yaniv’s previous complaints against beauty salons that refused to wax her. The incident has sparked new talks about healthcare access for transgender patients, doctor qualifications, and patient rights.

The case has drawn much attention online. Debates now focus on transgender rights and healthcare ethics. According to Yaniv, the gynecologist’s office simply told her “we don’t serve transgender patients.” Yaniv has not revealed the specific medical care she sought.

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“Sorry, Not For You”

Yaniv shared her reaction on social media. She described herself as “shocked… and confused… and hurt” after the rejection. She questioned if such a refusal was legal by tagging the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia in her post.

“Are they allowed to do that, legally? Isn’t that against the college practices,” Yaniv tweeted. She later claimed the College confirmed to her that refusing treatment to transgender patients is discrimination. The regulatory body later clarified this statement. “College staff never offer opinions on specific situations discussed over the phone with patients,” the College stated. “Staff refer callers to practice standards to guide them in making their own decision about whether or not to file a complaint.”

This isn’t Yaniv’s first discrimination claim. In 2019, she filed complaints against several Vancouver beauty technicians who refused to provide Brazilian wax services on her male genitalia. These complaints had major effects, including two small businesses closing. Yaniv sought up to $15,000 from each business. Those previous complaints were dismissed by a human rights tribunal. The ruling noted that Yaniv’s “predominant motive in filing her waxing complaints is not to prevent or remedy alleged discrimination, but to target small businesses for personal financial gain.“

White Coats, Closed Doors: When Trans Women Are Refused Care

The gynecologist in Yaniv’s current complaint has not made public statements. However similar cases raise key questions about medical training and care standards for transgender patients.

A healthcare provider in a white coat with a stethoscope, representing the medical professionals involved in cases where trans women have been refused care and the ongoing discussions around appropriate transgender healthcare training — Credit: Pexels

A similar case in France involved a doctor who declined to treat a transgender woman. “I told her that I’m not competent, but I can guide you. I can refer you to services that can take better care of you,” the doctor told the media. Though he first cited professional limits, he later made comments about treating “real women,” which he later apologized for.

Medical experts point out physical differences that affect treatment approaches. “Just because it’s a cavity doesn’t mean it’s a classic vagina,” explained one doctor who had refused a trans woman care, while admitting his lack of knowledge about transgender patients. Neo-vaginas created through gender-affirming surgery differ from natal female anatomy, often needing specialized knowledge.

A gynecology expert explained: “There is no recommendation for a transgender woman to have regular gynecological check-ups, unless she has a surgical problem related to the operation, because she doesn’t have a uterus or a cervix.” Many medical schools have only recently begun teaching transgender healthcare. Several universities now offer special training for healthcare providers to better serve transgender patients.

Drawing Lines in the Waiting Room: Trans Women Refused Care

Cases like Yaniv’s highlight the balance between ensuring trans patients receive care and respecting doctors’ scope of practice. In Canada, protection against discrimination based on gender identity varies by province.

A handmade textile artwork reading 'ALL LOVE MATTERS' with rainbow LGBTQ+ pride flag colors, highlighting the social activism surrounding cases where trans women have been refused care by healthcare providers. — Credit: Unsplash

Laws typically distinguish between refusing service based on identity versus declining procedures due to training limits. A patient advocate noted: “LGBTQ people seek medical care. The care they seek is no different just because they’re LGBTQ.” Many medical groups recognize that certain aspects of transgender healthcare may require special knowledge.

Beyond the Clipboard: How Trans Women Refused Care Face Health Risks

For transgender people, healthcare barriers create serious effects. When clinics refuse trans women care, this creates more than just emotional distress, it leads to dangerous delays in treatment. One documented case involves a transgender man who faced multiple rejections from gynecologists before finally receiving care after a year-long search. He was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“I find it incredibly alarming that I have all the tools to navigate healthcare, and I still almost died because of discrimination,” he shared. His experience shows how refusals to provide care without proper referrals can put patients at risk. Research shows this is not a rare problem. A recent study found that nearly 25% of transgender people avoided needed medical visits due to fear of mistreatment. Among those who did seek care, almost half reported negative experiences with healthcare providers.

Healing the System

Medical experts suggest that improving protocols rather than removing specialization may provide the best path forward. A medical director at a transgender healthcare center stated: “Providers need clear guidance on when referral is the right standard of care versus when it counts as discrimination.” Progress requires both reducing stigma throughout healthcare and expanding special training for providers. A healthcare educator explained: “It’s not an excuse to say, ‘I don’t know about trans people, so I can’t care for a trans person.’ But we also need to see that some aspects of transgender healthcare require special knowledge.”

Transgender Day and LGBT pride month, LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA+ concept. Doctor holding blue, pink and white heart shape for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Pansexual community — Source: Shutterstock

Creating healthcare spaces that respect individual dignity while maintaining clinical standards remains the goal. As transgender healthcare needs become more visible, with one European country reporting ten times more people with gender dysphoria in 2020 than in 2013, finding this balance grows more important.

Yaniv’s complaint remains under review, with the College of Physicians and Surgeons declining to comment on ongoing cases. As more clinics continue to deny trans women care, this case prompts important questions about how medical systems can balance inclusive access with appropriate specialized care. The growing visibility of transgender healthcare needs makes addressing these issues more urgent than ever.

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