What is the responsibility of a child life specialist when the ethical principles they are bound to uphold are in violation of the law? Since the beginning of 2021, there have been 91state bills introduced that seek to restrict gender-affirming healthcare for youth under the age of 18. As advocates for children and youth, how do child life specialists navigate providing ethical care for patients within an uncertain legal landscape?
DOMAIN: Ethics
Objectives:
Participants will gain an understanding of laws affecting access to gender-affirming healthcare for youth who identify as gender diverse.
Participants will examine how laws that effect access to healthcare for youth who identify as gender diverse conflict with ethical care.
Participants will learn how to advocate at the local, state, and national level for the healthcare needs of youth who identify as gender diverse.
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