Guardian Unlimited

Claudia, who does not wish to reveal her surname, is one of a growing number of male-to-female transsexuals who regret undergoing gender-reassignment surgery. In 1985, after a consultation with psychiatrist Russell Reid that she says lasted only 45 minutes, she was diagnosed as transsexual and referred for surgery. Reid, until his retirement last year, was the UK's best-known expert in gender identity disorders (GIDs). During more than 20 years of practice, Reid was responsible for assessing whether those wishing to change sex fitted the criteria for treatment. On Monday, after a case lasting three years, the General Medical Council's disciplinary committee ruled that Reid had prescribed hormones to five of his patients too soon, and referred them for genital surgery without properly assessing their mental and physical suitability.

Another reason why there should not be any gatekeepers.  Caveat Emptor.
People have to be responsible for their own choices, not dependent on others to tell them who or what they are. I've seen far too many people desperately seeking out someone, anyone, to tell them what to do, because they did not want to take responsibility for themselves. GRS is no exception. It is a choice like everything else in life.

Quote from: Thundra on May 23, 2007, 10:30:26 AM
Another reason why there should not be any gatekeepers.  Caveat Emptor.
People have to be responsible for their own choices, not dependent on others to tell them who or what they are. I've seen far too many people desperately seeking out someone, anyone, to tell them what to do, because they did not want to take responsibility for themselves. GRS is no exception. It is a choice like everything else in life.

Amen, Thundra.

Dennis

I'm having a hard time with this Reid case.  You can really convince someone that if they cut off their penis that their life will be better?  ..... come on now! 

I know that some patients can really push their doctors hard.  I know that there are many who would circumvent the process all together if they could.

Hey, it is your life. You are ultimately responsible for your choices.  I can't believe that anyone would go back to their doctor and complain about the choice THEY made.  I have one question to finalize... did these patients get any kind of a settlement?  That may answer a question or two.

Cindi