The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) is set to present a shareholder proposal at Visa's annual meeting that questions the company's health insurance policies concerning gender-transitioning treatments. This initiative aims to delve into the potential risks and disparities in compensation for employees who undergo gender-switching medical procedures. Claire Abernathy, a detransitioner who underwent gender-related medical interventions at a young age, will share her personal story at the meeting, shedding light on the rapid progression from therapy to significant surgical procedures.
The NLPC's proposal specifically targets the coverage of various medical procedures under Visa's CIGNA health insurance, such as mastectomies and orchiectomies, which Paul Chesser of NLPC's Corporate Integrity Project labels as "radical medical experiments." This move brings to the forefront the legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding gender-transition healthcare, especially in light of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's stance on gender identity discrimination. The proposal also references the Securities and Exchange Commission's recognition of de-transitioning individuals within these considerations.
Abernathy's testimony underscores the need for a healthcare system that recognizes all possible outcomes of gender transitioning treatments, advocating for equitable access to necessary care. The NLPC's action at Visa is part of a larger campaign, having previously introduced similar proposals at corporations like Johnson & Johnson and PepsiCo, signaling a growing scrutiny of corporate healthcare policies in relation to gender transitioning.
