CHICAGO — Multiple media outlets have published inaccurate stories with inflammatory headlines about an AMA Journal of Ethics® article that explored ethical considerations for uterus transplantation in transgender individuals. These outlets falsely report that the journal article represents the views or policy of the AMA.
In response to requests from the AMA, several outlets have made corrections to their flawed articles. But each day, additional articles repurpose erroneous reporting and direct inflammatory quotes from the original inaccurate story published by the Washington Examiner on August 15.
Below are several important facts to know related to these reports:
FACT:
The AMA has no policy or advocacy positions on uterus transplantation, nor has it proposed taxpayer funding of such procedures. Any reporting or claims to the contrary are false.
FACT:
The journal article (published in June 2023) presented ethical arguments for a hypothetical health issue. It was written by a university professor and fourth-year medical student and included the clear disclaimer that the views expressed “are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the AMA.”
FACT:
The AMA Journal of Ethics is an editorially independent journal from the AMA – similar to all major medical journals.
FACT:
The AMA Journal of Ethics exists to help students and health care professionals navigate ethical decisions in service to patients and society. As an editorially independent journal, it publishes case studies and expert commentary, medical education articles, policy discussions, peer-reviewed articles for education purposes, and more. Since its inception, the AMA Journal of Ethics has promoted ethics inquiry as a public good. All content is free and widely accessible online.
FACT:
Through its ongoing, mission-based work, the AMA works to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. The largest organization of physicians in the United States, the AMA regularly convenes its House of Delegates which has passed extensive policy that strongly opposes government or third-party intrusion into the patient-physician relationship and discrimination of any kind in medicine. The AMA Code of Ethics, established in 1847 at the founding of the organization, provides the ethical guide and standards for medical care in our country. The AMA is committed to working in partnership with others to address and eliminate bias in the delivery of care and advance health equity.
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
