Trans activist sues gynecologist for refusing care

A transgender woman in Canada is suing a gynecologist for allegedly refusing to treat her, sparking a fresh wave of debate over gender identity, medical care, and legal protections.

Jessica Simpson, a transgender woman and activist from Langley, British Columbia, has made headlines before. In 2018, she filed a series of human rights complaints against independent estheticians who declined to provide her with a Brazilian wax — a service they typically offered to women. Simpson, who still had male genitalia at the time, accused the beauticians of discrimination when they refused to handle male anatomy.

The case stirred major controversy. Most of the estheticians were women from minority backgrounds who worked from their homes. Many said they were not trained or comfortable working on male anatomy. In 2019, a Canadian human rights tribunal ruled against Simpson, stating that the women had a right to refuse services they weren’t trained to perform. Simpson was ordered to pay damages to three of the workers.

Gynecologist declines to treat her

Now, Simpson has filed a complaint against a gynecologist’s office that reportedly told her they did not treat transgender patients. In a now-deleted Instagram post, she described feeling “shocked, confused, and hurt” by the response, and questioned whether the decision violated professional guidelines.

Tagging the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), Simpson claimed she was being discriminated against. However, the details of the interaction and any official response from the medical board remain unclear. The complaint stems from an incident in 2019, but no legal decision has been made public.

10/3 podcast: Trans activist Jessica Yaniv and the human rights fight over waxing services https://t.co/HESNfuofnI pic.twitter.com/KOmE5fn6Wa

— National Post (@nationalpost) August 12, 2019

Medical experts weigh in

Gynecology, as a field, specializes in the care of individuals with female reproductive organs. This means gynecologists are trained to treat people with uteruses, ovaries, and vaginas — anatomy typically absent in transgender women who haven’t undergone gender-affirming surgery.

Experts say that once a trans woman has had reconstructive surgery to create a neo-vagina, gynecological care may become relevant — though even then, specialized training is often required. Until then, care for transgender individuals with male anatomy typically falls under different medical specialties, such as endocrinology or urology.

“This isn’t about identity,” one doctor explained anonymously to a Canadian outlet. “It’s about safe and competent care. You can’t expect a specialist trained for one type of anatomy to suddenly treat something entirely different.”

The case has sparked strong reactions on both sides. Critics argue that Simpson is misusing legal channels to push ideological boundaries. Kirralie Smith, spokesperson for the conservative group Binary, said: “She needs to see a transgender specialist, not a doctor who specialises in women’s health care.”

Comedian Ricky Gervais also weighed in, satirizing the controversy in a series of social media posts. “It’s disgusting that a qualified gynecologist can refuse to check a lady’s cock for ovarian cancer,” he tweeted, in a comment many found offensive while others defended as comedic commentary on a complex issue.

Meanwhile, some advocates say Simpson’s lawsuit, while controversial, highlights real gaps in the healthcare system for transgender people. Trans patients often report facing confusion, rejection, or miscommunication when seeking care — particularly from providers who lack training in transgender health.

I was going to dress up as something weird and creepy for my Halloween party, but I’m bucking the trend this year and I’m going as brave female activist Jessica Yaniv. This also means I don’t have to wax my big old hairy balls. pic.twitter.com/ldAvI0b2ot

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) October 30, 2019

This case isn’t just about one person’s complaint — it raises bigger questions. Should identity determine access to specific types of healthcare, or should anatomy be the deciding factor? Are doctors required to provide care they’re not trained for if the patient identifies differently than expected?

Many in the medical community are calling for better training on trans health issues, to avoid these kinds of conflicts. At the same time, they stress the importance of ensuring providers aren’t forced to practice beyond their qualifications.

Jessica Simpson’s lawsuit may or may not succeed in court, but it’s already succeeded in sparking global conversation. For some, it’s a fight for equality and recognition. For others, it’s a case of overreach that threatens to confuse healthcare standards and professional boundaries.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the intersection of gender identity and medical practice is a complex and evolving issue — one that requires compassion, clarity, and careful attention to both rights and responsibilities.

Do you think medical professionals should treat based on gender identity or anatomy? Let us know and join the conversation.