Indra,
Every medical patient deserves privacy and respect, which is why HIPAA exists in the United Staes. This cornerstone law protects our most sensitive health information from being misused and creates an environment of safety and trust.
Yet, in a blatant violation of that trust, Texas surgeon Dr. Ethan Haim leaked the private medical records of transgender children to a media contact. At the time, these patients were receiving gender-affirming care that was still legal in Texas. It has since been banned for minors in the state.
This move from Dr. Haim was in direct violation of HIPAA, and is absolutely gut wrenching in the context of the United States today. Transgender people are under attack, and transgender youth are particularly vulnerable as their medical care is being restricted in over half of all states. In these states, suicide attempts by trans and gender non-conforming teenagers rose by 72%. These states are basically trying to deny trans kids' rights to exist, and it's killing them.
Despite Haim's egregious move, the Department of Justice dropped the case and seemingly nothing has been done to hold him accountable for violating these children's rights.
We cannot stand for this type of behavior from medical professionals. Sign the petition now to demand the Texas Medical Board revoke Dr. Haim's license!
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