Order of Physicians censures right-wing gender identity bills

The Order of Physicians has issued a strong critique of proposed legislation by Portugal's right-wing parties concerning gender identity. In a technical-scientific opinion sent to Parliament, the medical body expressed sharp disapproval of draft laws from the PSD, CDS-PP, and Chega parties.

The physicians' order pointed to "conceptual inaccuracies" within the proposals. They also criticized the "imposition of absolute therapeutic prohibitions" that they argue do not reflect the framework of major international scientific guidelines. The order insists that any alterations to the current law must be grounded in updated scientific evidence.

Furthermore, the Order of Physicians stressed the importance of respecting the principles of "leges artis" – the rules of the art or best practices in medicine. They also called for the preservation of the technical autonomy of medical professionals in their practice. The organization's stance emphasizes a science-based approach to gender identity legislation, prioritizing established medical practices and international standards.

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preservar a autonomia técnica do acto médico