Shadow of 377: Doctors offering ‘conversion therapy’ must be severely disciplined. NMC must ensure this

Source: The post is based on the article “Shadow of 377: Doctors offering ‘conversion therapy’ must be severely disciplined. NMC must ensure this” published in The Times of India on 7^th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Relevance: About conversion therapy.

News: Based on the Madras High Court ruling on Conversion Therapy, the National Medical Commission(NMC) has written to all State Medical Councils banning conversion therapy and calling it a “professional misconduct.”

What is Conversion Therapy?

What did the Madras High Court ruled on Conversion Therapy?

What are the challenges in enforcing the ban?

Prejudice among medical fraternity: A study of medical school students, interns and postgrads in India has found that only around 20% of respondents believe homosexuality is not an illness.

The Indian Psychiatric Society de-pathologised homosexuality only in 2018, two years after Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality.

Adolescents are more vulnerable: US data indicates that around half the persons receiving conversion therapy are adolescents. Their cooperation is often extracted from their desire to be a ‘better’ son or daughter.

What should be done to improve the life of the LGBTQIA+ community?

a) The NMC needs to practise what it has been asked to preach. For instance, NMC must ensure severe disciplinary action against such practitioners, b) Parents, especially the educated ones, should change their opinion on the LGBTQIA+ community.