Patients could be treated by doctors of the opposite sex without their knowledge or consent, new data shows.
Figures show that at least 77 doctors have registered gender reassignment surgery with the General Medical Council (GMC) since 2003.
Only two have told the GMC that they have obtained a UK Gender Recognition Certificate, the document that provides legal recognition of the change.
And it raises concerns about doctors being allowed to identify themselves at will to change gender on the register, without further checks.
The information, provided by the GMC to Labour’s gender-critical Baroness Hayter, showed that a total of fourteen doctors changed gender on the GMC register in 2022 and nine last year.
The information showed that a total of fourteen doctors changed gender on the GMC register in 2022, and nine last year. Photo shows a patient doing an STD test in a clinic (Stock Image)
Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen, chair of the General Medical Council, wrote to Baroness Hayter (pictured) that ‘the data in the published register may not reflect a doctor’s gender at birth in all cases’.
When Baroness Hayter stressed the importance of patients knowing the gender of their doctor, the GMC responded that the ‘primary purpose’ of the register was to demonstrate that doctors have ‘appropriate training, skills and experience’ (Stock Image)
Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen, chair of the GMC, wrote to Baroness Hayter that ‘the data in the published register may not reflect a doctor’s gender at birth in all cases,’ The Sunday Telegraph reported.
This means that patients cannot find out from the register whether their doctor was born as a man or as a woman.
When Baroness Hayter stressed the importance of patients knowing the gender of their doctor, the GMC responded that the ‘primary purpose’ of the register was to demonstrate that doctors have ‘appropriate training, skills and experience’.
She was also told that patients are more likely to seek information about their doctor’s gender from local healthcare providers rather than the GMC register.
The GMC also gave reassurance that patients could use a chaperone, but the policy means patients do not know in advance whether to ask for one as their doctor’s biological sex is not shown.
The organization says it stopped asking doctors for a gender recognition certificate in 2010 “because many found it difficult to obtain one.”
Maya Forstater (pictured), executive director of Sex Matters, which campaigns for clarity on sex in the law and everyday life, said: ‘The General Medical Council’s handling of this issue is chilling and shows that trans identities are being prioritized over the safety and well-being of people. female patients
Maya Forstater, executive director of Sex Matters, which campaigns for clarity about sex in the law and everyday life, said: ‘The way the General Medical Council is addressing this issue is chilling and shows that trans identities are being prioritized over safety and the well-being of female patients.
“If a woman has been told that she will be examined by a female doctor, it is a violation of her consent for her to meet with a man pretending to be a woman.
“Similar to the problem with male police officers searching women, this policy ignores women’s human rights and exposes women to the risk of state-sanctioned sexual assault.”
A spokesperson for the GMC said: ‘We recognize that some people may want to see a same-sex doctor for different reasons, and the relevant healthcare provider – whether it is a GP practice, sexual health clinic or other service – is best placed to treat such requests to ensure that the needs of those patients are met.
‘They can also take other steps where necessary, for example by providing a supervisor.
‘We have been processing applications for gender change since the early 2000s. Our current approach to allowing registrants to change their gender in the medical register is in line with the existing legislative framework.
‘We have responded directly to the Baroness’s most recent letter about the points she raised.’