Conscientious Objection: Understanding When and Why Primary Care Physicians Object to Providing Health Care to Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients in an Appalachian Medical Center

Introduction: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals face barriers to accessing primary and gender-affirming care, especially in rural regions where a national shortage of medical providers with skills in caring for TGD people is further magnified. This care may also be impacted by individual providers' strongly held personal or faith beliefs and associated conscientious objection to care.

Purpose: This study assesses the prevalence of conscientious objection to providing care and gender-affirming hormone (GAH) therapy to TGD individuals among physicians in an Appalachian academic medical center.

Methods: An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of physicians was distributed to resident and faculty physicians in an Appalachian medical center. Survey domains included demographics, personal religious affiliations and practices, and assessments of willingness to provide specific types of care.

Results: Surveyed physicians (n = 115) had no objection to caring for TGD patients but notable objection to prescribing GAH therapy to adults (23.5%) and minors (33.0%). Self-identified "very religious" physicians were more likely to object.

Implications: Physician objection may present a barrier to care for TGD individuals in Appalachia. Provider and system-level interventions should be considered to ensure access to these necessary medical services.