The Ethics of Providing Care for Patients Who Identify as Gender Diverse in An Uncertain Environment

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What is the responsibility of a child life specialist when the ethical principles they are bound to uphold are in violation of the law? Since the beginning of 2021, there have been 91state bills introduced that seek to restrict gender-affirming healthcare for youth under the age of 18. As advocates for children and youth, how do child life specialists navigate providing ethical care for patients within an uncertain legal landscape?

1.5 PDUs
SUGGESTED DOMAIN: Ethics

Objectives:

Participants will gain an understanding of laws affecting access to gender-affirming healthcare for youth who identify as gender diverse.
Participants will examine how laws that effect access to healthcare for youth who identify as gender diverse conflict with ethical care.
Participants will learn how to advocate at the local, state, and national level for the healthcare needs of youth who identify as gender diverse.

Nikki Orkoskey (Moderator)

MA, CCLS

Nikki Orkoskey, MA, CCLS (she/her/hers) is a child life specialist at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, working with patients of all ages and developmental levels on an inpatient medical unit and outpatient radiology. Nikki has worked with patients who identify as gender diverse and their families in a variety of healthcare settings, both inpatient and outpatient. Nikki has a professional interest in educating professionals about evidence-based practice for patients who identify as LGBTQ+.