New York, U.S., September 27, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
(New York, New York) – A viral video is igniting a fierce debate over transgender medical policies – and whether they are slowing down care in America’s already overwhelmed emergency rooms.
In the clip, posted early Monday, an unidentified nurse vents frustration after being required to order a pregnancy test for a transgender woman before performing a chest X-ray. The nurse explains the test was mandated by hospital protocol due to radiation exposure rules, despite the patient being born male and having no biological capacity for pregnancy.
The video has drawn intense reaction online, with critics questioning whether trans-inclusive policies are creating unnecessary steps that delay treatment – particularly in emergency departments where time can be critical. Many commenters argued the requirement prioritizes gender identity over biological reality, while others asked how many similar delays might be occurring out of public view.
Under longstanding U.S. guidelines, pregnancy screening is required for females of childbearing age before radiation exposure. In recent years, many hospitals have expanded those rules to apply to transgender patients based on self-identified gender, rather than sex at birth. Supporters say the approach is inclusive and cautious; critics say it adds confusion and inefficiency to fast-paced medical settings.
The clip has amplified a broader question resonating across social media: As ERs struggle with staffing shortages and packed waiting rooms, are trans-focused policies helping patients – or slowing care when seconds matter most?
