On October 12, Cynthia Herrick, MD, MPHS, FACP joined Pope Francis, transgender Catholics and fellow advocates for a private meeting held at Francis’ guesthouse in the Vatican, Italy to discuss a document released by the Vatican’s doctrinal office six months prior, which rejected gender-affirming care for transgender people. Dr. Herrick is co-director of Washington University’s Transgender Center, alongside Thomas Baranski, MD, PhD.
“It was a great honor to meet with Pope Francis, advocate for transgender healthcare as the essential medical care that it is and urge church leaders to stand against discrimination.”
Cynthia Herrick, MD, MPHS, FACP
The 80-minute meeting was arranged by the New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based advocacy group for LGBTQ Catholics, led by co-founder, Sister Jeannine Gramick. Since 1977, the group has been working toward the acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the Catholic Church.
Following the decision of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, LGBTQ groups criticized the document, calling on Pope Francis to overturn the Catholic Church’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender people. In an article by Reuters, the groups express that “the doctrinal office did not seek input from transgender people about their experiences before rejecting gender-affirming care.”
“The meeting was hopeful, as Pope Francis emphasized his commitment to standing with marginalized communities, and he understands the importance of supporting all people in living their truth and purpose.”
Cynthia Herrick, MD, MPHS, FACP
McElwee, J. (2021, October 14). Pope urged at LGBT meeting to reverse church ban on gender-affirming care. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-urged-lgbt-meeting-reverse-church-ban-gender-affirming-care-2024-10-12/