California and New Jersey both have laws outlawing âgay conversionâ therapy for minors, which attempt to âconvertâ homosexuals into heterosexuals. The rationale for the law is that (1) homosexuality isnât an illness and (2) the treatment itself may harm patients, increasing their risk for depression and suicide. Still, some practitioners objected that any such restriction represented an illegal restraint on trade, preventing them from offering their patients certain services. And some parents objected that they were prevented from seeking treatment in the best interests of their children. In New Jersey, one set of parents sued on behalf of their 15-year-old son, who said that he wanted the treatment. Comment on any aspect of this issue from the perspective of scientific psychology. Should providers be able to provide any treatment to their patients, so long as the patients understand the risks involved?
California and New Jersey both have laws outlawing âgay conversionâ therapy for minors, which attempt to âconvertâ homosexuals into heterosexuals. The rationale for the law is that (1) homosexuality isnât an illness and (2) the treatment itself may harm patients, increasing their risk for depression and suicide. Still, some practitioners objected that any such restriction represented an illegal restraint on trade, preventing them from offering their patients certain services. And some parents objected that they were prevented from seeking treatment in the best interests of their children. In New Jersey, one set of parents sued on behalf of their 15-year-old son, who said that he wanted the treatment. Comment on any aspect of this issue from the perspective of scientific psychology. Should providers be able to provide any treatment to their patients, so long as the patients understand the risks involved?
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