Loyola University Chicago, a Catholic institution, is offering a course exploring the complexities of transgender medical interventions for children. This has sparked discussion given the university's Catholic identity and its stated mission of "seeking God in all things and working to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through justice, learning and faith."
The two-week course, titled "LGBTQ+ Health," aims to equip students with knowledge on evidence-based treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Course topics include PrEP, hormone therapy for transgender patients, and healthcare for transgender youth, including gender confirmation surgery.
Loyola University Chicago (LUC) Stritch School of Medicine. (The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The course encourages students to shadow clinicians specializing in LGBTQ+ healthcare, fostering comfortable discussions about various treatment approaches. The College Fix, which reported on the course, consulted an ethicist who expressed concerns about the implications of such a course at a Catholic university, particularly regarding the potential risks and complications associated with these procedures, especially for children.
Transgender ideology in schools remains a contentious issue. (Adobe Stock)
The ethicist also pointed to Pope Francis's criticisms of gender ideology, suggesting Catholic universities should align with his teachings. This course has reignited the debate surrounding transgender healthcare, especially for minors, and the role of religious institutions in navigating these complex issues.
Pope Francis has expressed concerns about gender ideology.
Loyola University Chicago did not provide a comment at the time of publication.
