Conscientious Objection to Gender-Affirming Surgery: Institutional Experience and Recommendations

As more academic institutions with surgical residency training programs begin to offer gender-affirming surgery, issues of trainee conscientious objection related to participation in these patient encounters may arise. Herein, we discuss our institutional experience with resident conscientious objection to involvement in gender-affirming surgery. Although there are ethical arguments for and against conscientious objection, current U.S. Federal policy grants all health care workers conscientious objector status upon their request. Recommendations are offered for other institutions who may experience similar situations regarding conscientious objection to gender-affirming care or to other aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery.