Photo: RNZ
One person became pregnant and was traumatized after a sexual health clinic could not reinsert his contraceptive device.
The person was afraid to get pregnant and was diligent about contraception.
The clinic and the doctor involved were criticized in a report by the Health and Disabilities Commissioner (HDC), released on Monday.
The person, who identifies himself as non -binary and was mentioned in the report as MX A, was removed to his former Jadelle contraceptive from the arm and another replaced in 2021.
But the doctor did not insert the new, according to the report.
A few months later, while abroad, the patient became pregnant.
“MX said it was a ‘huge shock’, and the breakup was an ‘extremely traumatic experience’,” the report said.
They had to take a significant work off to process emotional trauma and medical appointments.
The Deputy Commissioner of Health and Disabilities Vanessa Caldwell criticized the general practitioner and the clinic for failure.
Photo: James Gilberd Photography Ltd
This included X-rays and ultrasound to try to locate the implant.
When the device was never found, a review of the original appointment notes said that the MX to refuse to have a new contraceptive device inserted when the old one was removed.
But the MX told her to the commissioner that it was “totally absurd” to suggest that they would refuse one – and they were very clear about wanting a substitute.
“MX told her to the HDC that pregnancy is a ‘great fear’ to them and, as a result, several proactive measures were taken (including calling the clinic months before checking when the implant should expire and make an appointment in advance to ensure that there was no lapses in contraception),” the report said.
Vice -Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said the doctor made significant errors that had significant adverse consequences for MX A.
“I consider Dr. B’s failure to replace MX’s Jadelle implant as particularly worrying, given Dr. B’s specialized qualifications in this area and the experience working at the clinic, which included ‘special training for implant insertions,'” she said.
But she praised the general practitioner for making several changes since the event, including training training on informed consent.
“I encourage Dr. B to continue to develop competence in effective communication, as it is a critical component to ensure that people of all gender guidance and identities receive acceptable and appropriate health services,” said Caldwell.
The clinic herself told the Commissioner that she could not apologize enough for the trauma caused by the incident.
It had a “tool kit” about discussing contraception options and risk factors with trans and gender consumers.
The deputy compensation thanked the MX for making the complaint.
“I recognize the ongoing traumatic effect of this event in MX A and its desire to prevent this from happening to others in the future,” she said.
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