BMA faces backlash over rejection of transgender care review findings

The British Medical Association (BMA) has faced significant backlash after rejecting the findings of the Cass review, a comprehensive study on transgender healthcare published in April. Dr. Jacky Davis, a prominent BMA member, criticized the union's stance as irrational and damaging to the reputation of UK doctors. The BMA's refusal to endorse the review has created a divide between its leadership and grassroots members, leading to internal strife and fears of intimidation among council members. The BMA's council meeting on July 17 resulted in a call for members to critique the Cass review, which has been accepted by both the previous and current UK governments. The BMA is now the only medical organization in Britain to oppose the review's findings, which has prompted around 1,500 doctors, including former heads of medical royal colleges, to sign a letter of protest. Some longstanding members have even resigned in response to the BMA's position. Davis has alleged that a campaign group, DoctorsVote, has exerted undue influence over the BMA's policy decisions, particularly regarding transgender issues. She has called for a democratic consultation of the BMA's 185,000 members to gauge their views on the matter. The BMA, however, has defended its internal processes, claiming that it respects differing opinions and has not received any formal complaints regarding bullying. The controversy surrounding the BMA's stance has raised concerns about the potential harm to the medical profession's reputation. The organization has been accused of fostering a toxic atmosphere that discourages open discussion on transgender healthcare, further complicating the already contentious debate within the medical community.