H-65.983 Nondiscrimination Policy
The AMA affirms that it has not been its policy now or in the past to discriminate with regard to sexual orientation (Res.1, A-93)
H-65.990 Civil Rights Restoration
The AMA reaffirms its long-standing policy that there is no basis for the denial to any human being of equal rights, privileges and responsibilities commensurate with his or her individual capabilities and ethical character because of an individual’s sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, or age. (BOT Rep. LL, I-86; Amended by Sunset Report, I-96)
H-160.991 Health Care Needs of the Homosexual Population
(1) The AMA believes that the physician’s nonjudgmental recognition of sexual orientation and behavior enhances the ability to render optimal patient care in health as well as in illness. In the case of the homosexual patient this is especially true, since unrecognized homosexuality by the physician or the patient’s reluctance to report his or her sexual orientation and behavior can lead to failure to screen, diagnose or treat important medical problems. With the help of the gay and lesbian community and through a cooperative effort between physician and the homosexual patient, can effective progress be made in treating the medical needs of this particular segment of the population.
(2) The AMA is committed to taking a leadership role in:
- (a) educating physicians on the current state of research in and knowledge of homosexuality and the need to take an adequate sexual history; these efforts should start in medical school, but must also be a part of continuing medical education;
- (b) educating physicians to recognize the physical and psychological needs of their homosexual patients;
- (c) encouraging the development of educational programs for homosexuals to acquaint them with the diseases for which they are at risk;
- (d) encouraging physicians to seek out local or national experts in the health care needs of gay men and lesbians so that all physicians will achieve a better understanding of the medical needs of this population; and
- (e) working with the gay and lesbian community to offer physicians the opportunity to better understand the medical needs of homosexual and bisexual patients.
(CSA Rep. C, I-81; Reaffirmed: CLRPD Rep. F, I-91; CSA Rep. 8 – I-94