Senate panel bans conversion therapy for minors in mental health services
May 26, 2021 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico, International
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The government meeting held on May 26, 2021, focused on the topic of mental health services and the controversial practice of conversion therapy, particularly concerning minors. The session featured testimony from Dr. José Franceschini, a licensed mental health professional with extensive experience in the field.
The meeting began with a review of the legal implications surrounding conversion therapy. It was emphasized that no licensed individual or entity should subject minors to such therapies, regardless of whether there is financial compensation involved. Engaging in conversion therapy with minors was deemed unprofessional and could lead to disciplinary actions from relevant regulatory boards.
Dr. Franceschini was asked to share his professional opinion on the application of conversion therapy to minors. He firmly stated that these interventions should not be applied to children or adolescents, citing a United Nations study from June 2020, which revealed that approximately 50% of individuals subjected to conversion therapy are under the age of 18. He highlighted the growing global consensus against such practices, noting that the World Health Organization has removed the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder and is advocating for laws to prohibit conversion therapy worldwide.
The discussion underscored the importance of protecting minors from harmful practices and ensuring that mental health services adhere to ethical standards. Dr. Franceschini's testimony reinforced the need for legislative measures to prevent the application of conversion therapy to vulnerable populations.
As the meeting progressed, further inquiries were made regarding the specifics of the proposed legislation, with emphasis on the need for clear guidelines to safeguard minors from unprofessional practices. The session concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the implications of conversion therapy and the protection of mental health rights for all individuals, particularly minors.
The meeting began with a review of the legal implications surrounding conversion therapy. It was emphasized that no licensed individual or entity should subject minors to such therapies, regardless of whether there is financial compensation involved. Engaging in conversion therapy with minors was deemed unprofessional and could lead to disciplinary actions from relevant regulatory boards.
Dr. Franceschini was asked to share his professional opinion on the application of conversion therapy to minors. He firmly stated that these interventions should not be applied to children or adolescents, citing a United Nations study from June 2020, which revealed that approximately 50% of individuals subjected to conversion therapy are under the age of 18. He highlighted the growing global consensus against such practices, noting that the World Health Organization has removed the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder and is advocating for laws to prohibit conversion therapy worldwide.
The discussion underscored the importance of protecting minors from harmful practices and ensuring that mental health services adhere to ethical standards. Dr. Franceschini's testimony reinforced the need for legislative measures to prevent the application of conversion therapy to vulnerable populations.
As the meeting progressed, further inquiries were made regarding the specifics of the proposed legislation, with emphasis on the need for clear guidelines to safeguard minors from unprofessional practices. The session concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the implications of conversion therapy and the protection of mental health rights for all individuals, particularly minors.
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