It is important for doctors to know the sexual orientation of their patients. But once doctors know this, they have to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the patient.

If a doctor or any health care worker discriminates against you because you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex they are breaching:

• Their duty to give the best care and treatment to patients
• Their constitutional duty to equal treatment of all patients
• The National Health Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation

Challenging Unfair Discrimination by a Medical Professional BY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

If you do not receive adequate medical treatment or care because a health care worker is homophobic, you can:

• Make a civil or constitutional case against the hospital or clinic, or
• complain to a professional body such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).