Wyoming radiologist Dr. Eric Cubin is challenging his removal from the Wyoming Board of Medicine after being dismissed by Republican Governor Mark Gordon, allegedly for his outspoken opposition to transgender treatments for minors.
Cubin, who was initially appointed to the board in 2023 and reappointed in March 2024 for another four-year term, filed a petition in federal court in Cheyenne last week seeking reinstatement. His removal has sparked controversy, raising questions about free speech, medical ethics, and political influences in the state’s governance.
Cubin’s lawsuit claims that his dismissal was politically motivated and directly tied to his opposition to what he describes as “transing children” – a term he uses to refer to gender-affirming treatments for minors, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender reassignment surgeries.
Cubin asserts that his stance is based on his professional concern for the long-term health of young patients and the irreversible nature of some medical interventions. However, his removal has ignited debate over whether medical professionals have the right to voice personal or ethical opinions, especially when serving on state boards.
The Wyoming Board of Medicine, where Cubin once held a seat, is responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of doctors across the state. The board ensures that physicians follow legal and ethical guidelines, with a mission to protect public health and safety. Cubin’s opposition to transgender treatments for minors reportedly clashed with the views of other board members and possibly with broader state policies regarding gender-affirming care.
Governor Gordon’s office has not provided a detailed explanation for Cubin’s removal, but the decision has been widely interpreted as a response to the doctor’s vocal stance on this contentious issue. Wyoming, like many states, has seen heated debates over transgender rights and healthcare, particularly in relation to minors.
While some argue that gender-affirming care is essential for the “mental and emotional” well-being of transgender youth, others, like Cubin, warn of the potential risks and advocate for more conservative approaches to treatment.
In his federal petition, Cubin argues that his dismissal violates his First Amendment rights, claiming that his removal was an act of political retribution rather than a decision based on his competence as a board member. “I believe my removal from the board was not due to any failure in my duties or responsibilities but because of my outspoken opposition to the medical transition of minors,” Cubin said in a statement. He contends that his views on the issue are rooted in his medical expertise and a desire to protect children from making irreversible decisions that they may later regret.
Cubin’s lawsuit could have significant implications for the intersection of free speech and medical ethics. If the court sides with him, it may set a precedent allowing medical professionals to voice personal opinions on controversial issues without fear of losing their positions. On the other hand, if the court rules in favor of Governor Gordon, it could reinforce the power of state officials to remove board members whose views are seen as misaligned with state policies or public health objectives.
The case also highlights the growing political polarization surrounding transgender issues in the United States, with medical professionals, lawmakers, and advocacy groups often finding themselves at odds. In recent years, several states have passed or attempted to pass legislation restricting gender-affirming care for minors, while others have enacted protections for transgender youth and expanded access to these treatments. Wyoming has not yet enacted sweeping legislation on the issue, but Cubin’s case underscores how deeply divided the state is on the topic.
Critics of Cubin’s removal argue that silencing dissent within the medical community could have a chilling effect on open debate, which is essential for advancing medical knowledge and ensuring patient safety. They argue that differing opinions on complex medical issues should be welcomed, not punished, and that Cubin’s concerns about transgender care for minors deserve consideration, even if they are unpopular.
On the other side of the debate, supporters of Governor Gordon’s decision emphasize the need for board members to align with current medical standards and the state’s approach to healthcare. They argue that Cubin’s opposition to transgender care for minors was out of step with the evolving consensus on the issue and that his removal was necessary to ensure that the board remained focused on “evidence-based” practices.
As the lawsuit progresses, the outcome could have wide-reaching effects on the medical community, both in Wyoming and nationally. It raises critical questions about the role of politics in medical regulation and the extent to which personal beliefs should influence decisions made by public health boards.
For now, Dr. Eric Cubin remains off the Wyoming Board of Medicine, but his legal fight is just beginning. The case will not only determine his future on the board but could also shape the boundaries of free speech and professional ethics in the field of medicine for years to come.
