Dr. Sam Hawgood, the chancellor of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), faced questions regarding biological definitions of sex and pregnancy during a House committee hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in medicine. The hearing, which focused on DEI initiatives, included an exchange where Representative Mary Miller questioned Dr. Hawgood's understanding of basic biology.
During the hearing, Rep. Miller asked if a nonbiological woman has ever given birth. Dr. Hawgood responded by stating that a transgender person can. When pressed further, he reiterated UCSF's commitment to caring for transgender patients. Critics argued that his responses avoided directly addressing the biological capacity for pregnancy, which is exclusive to biological females.
UCSF's 'Framework for Gender and Sex Concepts in Teaching' has reportedly advised the use of terms such as 'pregnant people' instead of 'pregnant women.' This linguistic approach has drawn criticism, with opponents suggesting it contradicts biological reality and erases distinctions related to female reproductive capacity.
Dr. Hawgood's handling of the questions has drawn parallels to previous instances where public figures, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, faced criticism for their responses to questions about the definition of 'woman.' The article notes that Dr. Steve Dubinett, dean of UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, also encountered difficulties with similar questions during the hearing.
The exchange has raised concerns among some observers about the influence of ideology on medical education and patient care, suggesting that a focus on gender theory could potentially detract from fundamental medical training and patient well-being.