What you need to know about QC's gender-inclusive health ordinance
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has signed the Gender-Inclusive Health Ordinance (SP 3416), making it the first-ever transgender-inclusive healthcare policy in the country.
The new ordinance establishes a city-wide healthcare system that is inclusive, affirming, and responsive to the unique health needs of transgender individuals. It's expected to address long-standing gaps in healthcare access and quality for this community.
"The City recognizes the individual's right to bodily autonomy and self-determination, that is having autonomy to determine their own fate without undue policing of their bodies, on the basis of an individual's free, prior, and informed consent, and that is prerequisite to living life with dignity and ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights," the ordinance read.
'Huge win for human rights'
This new ordinance ensures city health services offer accessible primary care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This includes gender-affirming consultations, medical guidance, counseling, and supervision, all aimed at supporting their overall health and specific concerns.
It also guarantees access to gender-affirming screenings, exams, and tests that are both "safe" and conducted in a "respectful" manner. This means affirming and gender-sensitive interactions, proper patient handling, and gender-neutral facilities.
The city government has a responsibility to tell all doctors, hospitals, and clinics in Quezon City (both government-run and private ones) about where transgender individuals can go to get specialized healthcare that supports their gender identity.
The ordinance also mandates sensitivity training for medical professionals and providers, ensures inclusive facilities and policies in city hospitals and clinics, and expands existing mental health services to support LGBTQ+ individuals. This expanded support covers issues like trauma, shame, self-harm, violence, stigma, and discrimination.
Furthermore, it prohibits any form of SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics) conversion practices aimed at altering an individual's preferences. These include involuntary psychological therapy, counseling, or medical treatment, and professionals and establishments conducting SOGIESC suppression practices.
In response, Trans Health Philippines said that this move is "a huge win for human rights and a testament to QC's leadership in building a more inclusive and compassionate city."
Penalties and prohibited acts
According to the law, violations of the provisions mentioned above will result in the city's disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of license and certifications.
Similarly, denial of provision and non-referral of health services committed against transgender and gender-diverse persons in health care settings will be construed as Discrimination in the Delivery of Goods and Services, which will be penalized under the ordinance.
Other prohibited acts also include denial of gender-affirming recognition in public settings, such as intentional misgendering, and other transphobic slurs.
