Oregon Cancer Patient Says She Was Denied Treatment After Objecting to Pride Flag

Clinic sees patient's views as 'disrespectful and hurtful' to 'LGBT community and staff'

The Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Oregon, part of Oregon Health and Science University, recently announced expansion of a "gender-affirming" surgical center. Courtesy of Oregon Health and Science University

An Oregon cancer patient says she’s no longer able to receive treatment at her doctor’s office—or throughout the associated network of clinics—after she complained the transgender pride flag in the lobby made her uncomfortable.

In a letter to Marlene Barbera, a clinic representative didn’t mention her objection to the flag, writing that the decision to dismiss her as a patient was due to “ongoing disrespectful and hurtful remarks about our LGBTQ community and staff.”